9.5 Plant Adaptations To Water Availability Flashcards
What are xerophytes
Plants in dry habitats that have adapted to low water availability
What are some of the main adaptations plants have to conserve water
Waxy cuticle
Stomata on underside of leaf
Roots that grow downwards to water
What are some adaoatations xerophytes have to conserve water
Thick waxy cuticle Sunken stomata Reduced number of stomata Reduced leaves Hairy leaves Curled leaves Succulents Leaf loss
Why do xerophytes have sunken stomata
To reduce air movement - produces a microclimate of still humid air that reduces water vapour potential gradient
Why do xerophytes have hairy leaves
Create microclimate of still humid air
Reduce water potential gradient
Why do xerophytes have curled leaves
Confines all stomata within a microenviroment of still humid air
What are succulents
Stores of water
What type of root adaptations do xerophytes have to conserve water
Longer roots to get more water in the soil
What are hydrophytes
Plants that live in water that have adaptations to grow in water
What adapatations do hydrophytes have to grow in water
Thin waxy cuticle Lots of open-stomata on upper surfaces Reduced structure Wide flat leaves Small roots Large SA of steams abs roots Air sacs Arenchyma
What is arenchyma in hydrophytes
Specialised parenchyma tissue forms
It has many large air spaces
Makes leaves more bouyant
Forms a low resistance internal pathway
