In the course of evolution, leaves have adapted to different environments in the following ways:
* Waxy micro- and nanostructures on the surface reduce wetting by rain and adhesion of contamination (See Lotus effect).
* Divided and compound leaves reduce wind resistance and promote cooling.
* Hairs on the leaf surface trap humidity in dry climates and create a boundary layer reducing water loss.
* Waxy plant cuticles reduce water loss.
* Large surface area provides a large area for capture of sunlight.
* In harmful levels of sunlight, specialized leaves, opaque or partly buried, admit light through a translucent leaf window for photosynthesis at inner leaf surfaces (e.g. Fenestraria).
* Kranz leaf anatomy in plants which perform  carbon fixation
* Succulent leaves store water and organic acids for use in CAM photosynthesis.
* Aromatic oils, poisons or pheromones produced by leaf borne glands deter herbivores (e.g. eucalypts).
* Inclusions of crystalline minerals deter herbivores (e.g. silica phytoliths in grasses, raphides in Araceae).
* Petals attract pollinators.
* Spines protect the plants from herbivores (e.g. cacti).
* Stinging hairs to protect against herbivory, e.g. in Urtica dioica and Dendrocnide moroides (Urticaceae).
* Special leaves on carnivorous plants are adapted for trapping food, mainly invertebrate prey, though some species trap small vertebrates as well (see carnivorous plants).
* Bulbs store food and water (e.g. onions).
* Tendrils allow the plant to climb (e.g. peas).
* Bracts and pseudanthia (false flowers) replace normal flower structures when the true flowers are greatly reduced (e.g. spurges, spathes in the Araceae and floral heads in the Asteraceae).