Chapter 10

Plants

10.1 Lesson 10.1: Introduction to Plants

Lesson Objectives

• Describe the major characteristics that distinguish the Plant Kingdom.


• Describe plants’ major adaptations for life on land.


• Explain plants’ reproductive cycle.


• Explain how plants are classified.

Check Your Understanding

• What are the major differences between a plant cell and an animal cell?


• What is photosynthesis?

Introduction

Plants have adapted to a variety of environments, from the desert to the tropical rain forest
to our lakes and oceans. In each environment, plants have become crucial to supporting
animal life. First, plants provide animals with food. In a forest, for example, caterpillars
munch on leaves while birds eat berries and deer eat grass. Furthermore, plants make the
atmosphere friendly for animals. Plants absorb animals’ “waste” gas, carbon dioxide, and
release the oxygen all animals need for cellular respiration. Finally, plants provide cover and
shelter for animals. A bird can take refuge from predators in a shrub and use twigs to make
a nest high in a tree (Figure10.1). Without plants, animals would not be able to survive.