Plants have adaptations that allow them to survive in different environments. These adaptations include small leaves or spines that conserve water for desert plants, thick waxy skin that holds in water, and roots near the soil surface to quickly absorb rainwater before it evaporates. Rainforest plants have slippery bark to prevent vines from killing trees and slide-shaped leaves that allow rain to run off and prevent fungus growth. Temperate forest plants have thick bark to protect trees from damage and drop their leaves in winter to conserve water and nutrients during cold periods. Grassland plants have deep roots to survive prairie fires, narrow leaves that lose less water than broad leaves, and flexible stems that can bend in the wind. Water plants have flexible stems