Adaptations in Xerophytes

Question 1

How does the adaptation Small leaf surface area work?

Answer 1

reduced surface area for evaporation/ fewer stomata

Question 2

How does the adaptation Sunken stomata work?

Answer 2

maintains humid air around the stomata to reduce the water potential gradient

Question 3

How does the adaptation Stomatal hairs work?

Answer 3

maintains humid air around the stomata to reduce the water potential gradient ad reduce evaporation

Question 4

How does the adaptation Rolled Leaves work?

Answer 4

reduced the effects of wind to reduce the water potential gradient and reduce evaporation

Question 5

How does the adaptation Extensive Root Systems work?

Answer 5

maximises water uptake, helps to increase chances of contact with water, often shallow but wide area to absorb rainfall. often have swollen stems to store the collected water

Question 6

How does the adaptation Reduced number of stomata work?

Answer 6

reduce the amount of places water can evaporate from

Question 7

How does the adaptation Thicker, waxy cuticle work?

Answer 7

waterproof leaves and stems to reduce evaporation

Question 8

How to investigate Stomatal Density?

Answer 8

take thin layers of epidermis and examine under the microscope the number of stomata in an area of lead tissue can be calculated
Multiple fields of few or leaf sections should be examined, mean taken so the sample is representative