Plants are the primary producers in Earth's ecosystem.

As autotrophs, they create their own food through photosynthesis, a process that also plays a key role in the planet's hydrological cycle.

By converting carbon dioxide and water into energy, plants help maintain environmental balance and support life on Earth.

1. Water

Water is vital for the survival and growth of plants, playing a role similar to blood in animals. It serves as a transportation medium, distributing nutrients and food to different parts of the plant. Water also helps plants regulate their temperature. Plants absorb water from the soil through their root hairs. They then lose moisture through a process called transpiration, where water evaporates from the surface of stems and leaves.

2. Sunlight

Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce their food. Without sunlight, photosynthesis cannot occur, meaning plants cannot generate starch.

The green pigment chlorophyll, present in autotrophic plants, is critical for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, trapping heat energy and triggering the process of photosynthesis.

3. Soil

Plants thrive in fertile, nutrient-rich soil, which provides essential nutrients for their growth and maintenance. In contrast, infertile soil lacks the nutrients required to sustain plant life. Different plants have specific soil preferences based on their habitats. For example, cacti grow best in sandy soil due to its unique properties.

4. Warmth

Temperature plays a critical role in plant growth. Plants require an optimal temperature range to sustain their life processes. Extremely cold conditions can slow down these processes and cause plants to wither, while excessive heat can also be detrimental.

Plants adapt to their habitats through physiological and morphological changes. For instance, coniferous trees are suited to cold climates, while desert plants like cacti are adapted to high temperatures. Proper temperature regulation is crucial for maintaining plant growth. It affects processes like transpiration, ensuring plants maintain their water balance and continue to thrive under the right conditions.

What Do Plants Needs to Live and Grow

Video by Next Generation Science