Plant Part Functions A78-81

Vocabulary dormancy-period of lower activity transpiration-giving off of water by plant parts taproot-one main root growing deeply into the soil, with smaller attached roots fibrous roots-many roots of same size, growing long but not deep

Vocabulary (cont.) vascular plants- plants that have tubes

Main Leaf Types Needles: needle-shaped to prevent water loss (evergreen, cacti) Needles are not shed during fall and winter Broad leaves: wide and flat (oak, maple) Broad leaves are shed during fall and winter

Why do leaves “fall”? In colder climates, broad leafed trees shed their leaves in the fall. This is because there is less sunlight available during fall and winter. Less sunlight means no photosynthesis. No photosynthesis means no food. No food means leaves die and fall.

Stems Support plants Give them shape Contain tubes that carry water and minerals from roots to all parts of the plant Contain tubes that carry food (sugar) from the leaves to all parts of the plant

Two Different Stem Types Soft and flexible-small plants that live only one growing season Stiff and woody (bark-covered)-these stems grow thicker each year, so these plants can live for many years

What is the job of roots? Anchor plants into the soil Take in water and nutrients for photosynthesis Some roots actually store food made by leaves

An Unusual Adaptation Some plants living in poor soil adapt by eating meat. Examples are the Venus Flytrap and cobra lily. Insects are attracted to the plant smell. They land and are trapped or fall into liquid and drown, then are dissolved, digested, and their skeletons blown away by the wind.