Plant Adaptations

by Gene Gade 

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Like soldiers in a desperate battle, wild land plants and animals have to have a strategy for survival and victory.

These grasses have survived the chomping and stomping of millions of buffalo and other grazing animals for thousands of years, mostly by lying low, spreading out and being very frugal with water.

some of their companions prosper in arid conditions by wearing a thick, waxy, coat to hold water in and by arming themselves with bayonets. "Ouch"!

Having small leaves or leaves that drop off during dry periods is one strategy for living in arid environments.

Shallow, wide-spreading roots help absorb water efficiently in dry places or shallow soils.

This cactus has succulent water storage tissue under its waxy coat, and it doesn't loose any water from leaves, because it has turned them into skin-piercing weapons: Yeow!

Wyoming is a tough place to live, but hundreds of beautiful plants and animal species have adapted to survive here. I’m Gene Gade for the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service.