Habitats & Ecosystems — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Sort each plant into a land habitat or a water habitat.
Land plant
CactusOak treePine treePalm tree Water plant
Lily padSeaweedWater lilyKelp Plants have special parts that help them live where they grow. Roots in soil hold land plants, while water plants float or bend with waves.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A cactus stores water in its thick stem to survive in the desert.
Deserts are very dry, so a cactus saves water in its stem for times with no rain.
2. A lily pad floats on top of pond water.
Lily pads are flat and waxy so they float on water and let the plant get sunlight.
3. An oak tree has deep roots that hold it in the forest soil.
Roots anchor big trees in the ground and soak up water from the soil.
4. Seaweed grows in the salty ocean and sways with the waves.
Seaweed needs salt water and bends with waves instead of breaking.
5. A cactus has sharp spines instead of soft leaves.
Spines protect the cactus from animals and lose less water than flat leaves.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. A cactus can grow easily at the bottom of a pond.
True False
Cactuses store water because they live in dry deserts; too much water would rot their roots.
2. Seaweed can live in ocean salt water.
True False
Seaweed grows in the ocean and can use sunlight through salt water to make food.
3. Oak trees grow best in hot, sandy deserts.
True False
Oak trees need water and good soil, which deserts do not have.
4. Lily pads help shade the water so fish can hide below.
True False
Lily pads block sunlight from above and give small fish a safe shady spot.