The structure and function of a leaf can be modified over the course of evolution as a plant adapts to a particular environment. Some leaves may be converted to storage structures below ground (as with a bulb) or into plant defense structures (as with a spine). ... In each plant (A-D), one leaf has been shaded with orange.
How do modified leaves help plants?
This kind of adaptation helps plants to conserve very limited supply of water and resist desiccation (drying up). 2. ... In weak- stemmed plants, leaf or a part of leaf gets modified into green threadlike structures called tendrils which help in climbing around the support.
How are leaves modified?
Leaves can be modified in the form of spines that reduce water loss and also act as a defence. Some are modified into tendrils to provide support to the plant. Some leaves are thick that help in water storage. Some are modified to catch and digest insects.
Why are leaves sometimes modified give two examples of leaf modifications?
Whole leaves or parts of leaves are often modified for special functions , such as for climbing and substrate attachment, storage, protection against predation or climatic conditions, or trapping and digesting insect prey.
How are leaves modified in a cactus plant?
> The Cactus plant is native to arid and semi-arid regions. It is distinguished by its ‘spines’ which are the modified versions of its leaves. Its leaves are modified to extremely small-sized spines to minimize the surface area from which water can be lost.
Is aloe vera a modified leaf?
Aloe vera leaf modification allows the plant to store water and thrive in dry climates. The leaves of the aloe vera plant are thick. ... The outer layer of the leaves is thick and waxy to prevent water from evaporating. Additionally, aloe vera leaves can use an adapted photosynthesis pathway to generate energy.
What are examples of modified roots?
These modified roots usually are swollen and assume different forms such as spindle shaped, e.g., radish ; top shaped, e.g., beet, turnip; conelike, e.g., carrot; indefinite shape, e.g., sweet potatoes (Fig. 7.1). Dahlia, Asparagus, Portulaca are some other examples of plants with modified roots for food storage.
In which plant leaves are modified into tendrils?
In the flame lily (Gloriosa superba) , the leaf tip of the blade elongates into a tendril and twines around other plants for support. In the garden pea (Pisum sativum), the terminal leaflet of the compound leaf develops as a tendril.
Why are leaves modified explain with example?
Leaves can be modified in the form of spines that reduce water loss and also act as a defence. Some are modified into tendrils to provide support to the plant. Some leaves are thick that help in water storage. Some are modified to catch and digest insects.
How leaves are modified for extra support?
Leaves can be modified in the form of spines that reduce water loss and also act as a defence. Some are modified into tendrils to provide support to the plant. Some leaves are thick that help in water storage. Some are modified to catch and digest insects.
What are the advantage of leaves modified into spines in cactus plant?
Most species of cacti have lost true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves. As well as defending against herbivores, spines help prevent water loss by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing some shade. In the absence of leaves, enlarged stems carry out photosynthesis.
What is the purpose of a modified cactus?
Cacti plants have green and thick-walled stems dominated with a lot of needle-like structures referred to as spines. The main role of these modified stems and leaves is to store water for a reasonably long period and minimize water loss as well .
Why leaves are modified into spines?
Leaves are modified into spines in Opuntia (xerophytes) so as to reduce the surface area and minimize rate of water loss by evaporation and transpiration .
Is onion a modified leaf?
Onions and shallots have rounded, cylindrical shaped leaves while garlic and leeks have flattened leaves. The scales of the onion bulb are actually modified leaves that provide protection from water loss.
What are 2 examples of modified leaves?
- Storage Leaves: Some plants of xerophytic habitats and members of the family Crassulaceae generally have highly thickened and succulent leaves with water storage tissue. ...
- Leaf Tendrils: ...
- Leaf-spines: ...
- Scale-leaves: ...
- Leaflet Hooks: ...
- Leaf Roots: ...
- Phyllode: ...
- Insect Catching Leaves:
Is flower a modified leaf?
Flowers are modified leaves , or sporophylls, organized around a central stalk. Although they vary greatly in appearance, all flowers contain the same structures: sepals, petals, carpels, and stamens. The peduncle attaches the flower to the plant.
