Adaptations in Biomes
Plant adaptations can be found in all biomes, but they are exemplified in extreme environments (e.g. deserts, rainforests). Below is a list of plant adaptations that are frequently found in particular biomes. Natural selection has shape the morphology, anatomy, and biochemistry of plants to allow them to survive and thrive in these biomes. Many of these adaptations are examples of convergent evolution found in the world.
Terrestrial Biomes
Deserts
What abiotic features define this biome?
Roots
Water storage tubers in roots (See specialized roots)
Extremely deep tap roots
Stems
Water storage stems (see specialized stems)
Although most desert plants (>85%) do not show structural adaptations to conserve water. (Gibson 1998)
Cladophylls (see specialized stems)
Rhizomes
Leaves
Succulent leaves (See specialized leaves)
Reduced leaf area (See specialized leaves)
Reduced number of stomata (See specialized leaves)
Sunken stomata (See specialized leaves)
Hypodermis (See specialized leaves)
Spiral/curly leaves (See specialized leaves)
Hairy leaves to reflect UV light
Window leaves (See specialized leaves)
Deciduous leaves - e.g. remove leaves to avoid desiccation (See specialized leaves)
Entire plant
Tubers, corms, and bulbs (See specialized roots, specialized stems, and specialized leaves)
Annual and biennial habit
Tundra
What abiotic features define this biome?
Ground-hugging forms, mats, and cushion-like plants
Reduced leaf area (See specialized leaves)
Darker leaves which can absorb more heat energy from sun
Hairy leaves to retain moisture
Quick growth during short growth season
Dwarfed shrubs and trees
Evergreen plants
Compact inflorescences to reduce heat loss
Wind-dispersal is common
Grasslands
What abiotic features define this biome?
Rhizome-bearing plants, such as grasses
Basal meristems, to avoid large herbivores
Fire-resistance in plants
C4 photosynthesis (see photosynthesis)
Bulliform cells in leaves
Wind-pollination in grasses
Large showy flowers in "forbs"
Taiga
What abiotic features define this biome?
Evergreen leaves
Reduced leaf area (See specialized leaves)
Sunken stomata (See specialized leaves)
Hypodermis (See specialized leaves)
Deciduous leaves - a few angiosperms are deciduous in this biome (See specialized leaves)
Root suckers in some angiosperm trees
Temperate deciduous forests
What abiotic features define this biome?
Deciduous leaves - avoid desiccation in drying winter (See specialized leaves)
Spring ephemeral plants with bulbs or corms
Early flowering herbs
Wind-pollinated trees with catkins (e.g. oaks, ashes, birches, etc.)
Shrubs with flowery bracts to attract pollinators (e.g. dogwoods)
Sun and shade leaves (See specialized leaves)
Autumn color change - e.g. using secondary pigments for photosynthesis (See specialized leaves)
Rainforests
What abiotic features define this biome?
Large showy flowers to aid in pollination
Shade-adapted understory plants
Large leaves in understory plants
Lianas and vines
Pneumatophores, buttress, and prop roots (See specialized roots)
Epiphytes (e.g. bromeliads, orchids, forests cacti)
Water storage stems in forests cacti (see specialized stems)
Velamen on roots in orchids (See specialized roots)
Cup-like rosette of leaves in bromeliads
Wetlands
Bogs
What features define this biome?
Peat-dominated wetlands
Acid-tolerant plants
Carnivorous leaves (See specialized leaves)
Succulence (See specialized leaves)
Reduced leaf area (See specialized leaves)
Marshes
What features define this biome?
Grass-dominated wetlands
Rhizome-bearing plants, such as grasses
Basal meristems, to avoid large herbivores
Swamps
What features define this biome?
Tree-dominated wetlands
Prop or stilt roots in tropical swamps
Lacustrine
What features define this biome?
Lakes and ponds