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Leaf Specialization

Some leaves have specializations that protect the plant

Ex. The tobacco plant contains nicotine which repels herbivores. Cactus leaves no longer preform photosynthesis but protect the plant from being eaten

Leaf Specialization

Some leaves have specializations that allow them to fall off

• Ex. In Canada the leaves fall off trees in order to conserve water and nutrients during the winter

Leaf Specialization

Some leaves produce chemicals that prevent their cells from freezing

• Ex. Needles on a pine tree. They are needle shaped to help them shed snow more quickly

Leaf Specialization

Some leaves have specializations that allow them to store water

• Ex. The leaves of the jade plant have adapted fleshy leaves that store water in the dry climate

Stem Specialization

Some stems are specialized to store water or carbohydrates

• Ex. The cactus stem highly modified to store water

Stem Specialization

Stems protect the plant from injury

•Ex. Thorns on the hawthorn tree deter herbivores

Stem Specialization

Some steams grow underground and are modified to store food and water. They can also rise to a new plant

• Ex. Potatoes, onions

Stem Specialization

Some steams grow along the soil instead of upright.

• Ex. Vines use other objects to raise their leaves up to the sunlight

Root Specialization

Some roots have a mutualistic relationship with fungus and bacteria.

• Nitrogen fixing bacteria converts nitrogen from the air and converts it into a form the plant can use. In return the bacteria receives carbohydrates from the plant

Root Specialization

Some roots use other plants grow

• The strangler fig seed is left in the branches of another tree. The roots grow down the tree, using the tree for nutrients and water. The roots eventually reach the ground and strangle the life out of the other tree

Root Specialization

Tuberous roots are lateral roots that have been specialized to store carbohydrates. These roots are at a higher risk of being eaten so they have developed protection.

• Ex. Cassava root contains a deadly toxin which can be soaked out in water for human consumption

Root Specialization

Some roots produce toxins that harm other plants

•Ex. The black walnut secretes a toxin that inhibits plant growth