1.14- Plant Adaptions

Question 1

Name the advantage for pine trees having needles instead of leaves.

Answer 1

Less surface area leads to less water loss, a waxy exterior to the leaves also prevent this so that the pine tree does not die due to lack of water.

Question 2

Suggest a disadvantage to the pine tree having needles, not leaves.

Answer 2

It has a smaller surface area which will lead to less photosynthesis taking place, therefore less energy is produced for the plant.

Question 3

Explain why the similar adaptions of pine trees and cacti help the plant survive in two different environments.

Answer 3

They have both reduced the surface area of their leaves which reduces water loss. This means that the plant can have enough water for photosynthesis and so can produce enough energy to keep the plant alive.
Their leaves are also waxy, this further reduces water loss as it keeps the water from leaving the leaves

Question 4

What is the advantage of an Oak tree having large green leaves?

Answer 4

Leaves have a large surface area so that they can photosynthesise as much as possible to produce energy for the oak tree