Adaptation

Since Dicentra formosa (Pacific Bleeding Heart) is native to the Pacific Coast, the plant is already adapted to its surroundings; however, how did the Pacific Bleeding Heart become adapted to land? Over 500 million years ago, alga began to migrate onto land. With this, the alga had the challenges of drying out, few nutrients, harsh light, no support, and temperature. So, this alga had to adapt to the land and become a land plant with evolutionary characteristics.

The first plants on land were non-vascular (moss). Then, with evolutionary traits, the non-vascular plant became vascular (xylem and phloem tissue) with no seeds, naked seeds, or covered seeds. So, how did the vascular plant become adapted to the environment.

First, the plant needed protection from desiccation. A waxy cuticle and stomata were evolved in order to stop desiccation. Next, the evolution of leaves increased photosynthetic surface area in order to receive proper nutrients. With the switch to vascular tissue, reproduction shifted to dominate sporophyte and made a shorter haploid phase in the alternation of generation. Finally, the plant needed support to grow closer to the sunlight and receive proper nutrients.

Since the Pacific Bleeding Heart grows in higher elevation, it has adapted to low water use and low respiration. Also, it adapted to the cold weather and responds to the long-day photoperiod.

 

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