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Weather - Climate - Plants

  1. Mountain WatchHow does weather affect plants?
  2. How does climate affect plants?
  3. Can we use mountain plants as indicators of climate change?
How does climate affect plants?
 
Generally speaking, plants are adapted to the climate in which they live. Just as plants have their own optimum temperature range they also have an optimum climate. Desert plants are adapted to a hot dry sunny climate whereas plants in northern New England are adapted to survive hot sunny summers as well as freezing snowy winters. Adaptations include thick waxy leaves to reduce moisture loss or dropping leaves and entering a state of dormancy to survive freezing temperatures. Learn more about specific adaptations of alpine plant.