Page 89 - Science Class 06

environment is not a permanent existence, v Hydrophyte : Aqua c Plants
the organisms have to keep adap ng to the
v Mesophyte : Terrestrial Plants
changing environment. Adapta on is a

process which runs parallel to evolu on. v Xerophytes : Desert Plants
Today, if we see species like dinosaurs v Halophytes : Salt-tolerant Plants
ex nct, it is because they could not adapt Hydrophyte
to the changing environment. As we study Hydrophytes are plants which only grow in
evolu on, we also no ce the various stages
or on water. Being permanently submerged
man has been through before becoming the
or on the surface of water, they need
modern man. It is all a part of ecological
special adapta on in order to survive.
adapta ons.
We can group them into:
However, adapta on in plants and animals
develop over a period of me and enables v Free floa ng water plants

them to survive and reproduce within the v Rooted with floa ng leaves water plants
high environment limita ons. For example, v Submerged water plants
giraffe had to stretch its neck to eat the
leaves of tall plants and hence its neck Free Floa ng Water Plants
became long. These plants float freely on the water surface.

How Does Habitat Affect Plants And The en re plant is suspended on the water,
Animals? allowing the plant to be moved around the
pond by wind and water currents. Plants such
You have studied about the habitat and how
as duckweed, mosquito fern, water hyacinth
plants and animals have adapted them- and watermeal are free floa ng plants.
selves to their habitats. A habitat consists of
availability of food, shelter, water, sunlight
and suitable climate, etc. Water is one of the

most important factor of a habitat. It has a
great affect on plants and animals living in a
par cular habitat. Therefore, on the basis of
the availability of water in different habitats,
plants and animals have developed their
adap ve features accordingly.
Pis a
ADAPTATION IN PLANTS
Rooted with Floa ng Leaves Water Plants
The plants have been modified and
developed adap ve features according to There are so many water plants that have
availability of water. roots fixed in mud. But they have long
pe oles in their leaves that keep them
We can categorise plants on the basis of
floa ng. These plants are so and weak
their adap ve features into three major
which reduce the weight of the plant and
groups:
help them in floa ng.

Science-6 89