Plants have some amazing adaptations! From being able to live in dry desert conditions, to cold and windy mountaintops to underneath the sea, plants have adapted to live in extreme environments.
In this experiment we’ll take a deeper look at the unique adaptations aquatic plants require to survive and grow.
Let’s design, build, and test your own aquatic plant to learn how plants adapt to living in water!
What is an Adaptation?
An adaptation is a unique skill that plants and animals use to survive.
An adaptation could be a physical or behavioural change that helps animals and plants survive in their environment.
Examples of Aquatic Plants You Can Model
Not sure which aquatic plant to build? Here are two popular ones to inspire you!
Mangroves
Mangroves grow in shallow ocean water. Their stems grow very high above the water so the leaves can get sunlight. Just like you, mangroves also need to breathe. They have long roots that grow in the sandy bottom. These long roots hold the mangroves in place. Mangroves roots have also adapted to breathe in mud and water!
Water Lilies
Water lilies have flat and big leaves that float on the water’s surface, these leaves are called lily pads. The lily pad has lea veins that are filled with air, this helps the leaves float. The lily pads also have a waxy coating which prevents them from absorbing water and allows them to reflect heat from the sun.
Materials
- Gravel, sand, or pebbles
- Large bin or container
- Water
- Materials to build an aquatic plant, we recommend using the following but they can be switched out for others
- Paperclips
- Tape
- Wax paper
- Aluminum foil
- Pipe cleaners
- Toothpicks
- Yarn or string
- Craft foam sheets
How to Do The Plant Adaptation Experiment
Step 1
Choose a plant and draw a design for your model.
Label parts of the plant and think about how you will show the adaptations your plant has.
If you would like to get creative, design your own unique aquatic plant and come up with a few adaptations you think would allow it to survive in the water.
Step 2
Use the supplies to create your plant model. Cut out leaves, make the roots and stems, showcase the plants special adaptations.
Have fun and get creative!
Step 3
To test the model, fill a bin with water. Add 5 cm of gravel, sand or pebbles to represent the soil.
Is your plant able to stand up on its own in the water?
When the water moves, how does the plant move?
Test it out!
Common Aquatic Plant Adaptations
Aquatic plants will often have underwater leaves and stems to help them move with the current.
Another common adaptation that underwater plants have are leaves with large air pockets to absorb oxygen from water.
Some plants will even produce floating seeds!
Why Do Plants Adapt?
Plants will adapt according to their environment.
Adaptations help the plant to conserve food, water, and energy so that they can survive and reproduce!
