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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 many plants, leaves get modified to perform some special functions other than the normal ones, such as photosynthesis and transpiration. Sometimes these modifications are in response to certain environmental conditions.
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.
Identify common leaf modifications and their functions, including storage leaves, succulent leaves, spines, tendrils, phyllodes, showy bracts, plantlets, and insect traps. The structure and function of a leaf can be modified over the course of evolution as a plant adapts to a particular environment (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)).
30 sty 2024 · Leaves in some species are modified to have different colors and look like petals. Their main function is to attract pollinators. In the case of Bougainvillea sp. , flowers are small and creamy and are found in the middle of three pink petal-like modified leaves known as bracts (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)A).
20 lis 2016 · The carnivorous plants like Nepenthes sp., the leaves are modified into a pod which is used to attract insects and other tiny animals to fall inside and digest them. The inner walls secrete digestive enzymes that help digest the insects and extract the nitrogen needed for the plant.
Let’s learn more about the morphology of leaves, parts of a leaf, different types of leaves and their modifications. Structure of a Leaf Leaves are thin, flat organs responsible for photosynthesis in the plants.
