Adaptations of plants

Question 1

Adaptations of terrestrial plants? XEROPHYTE

Answer 1

1) stomata on under side of leaf
2) stomata close at night
3) Waxy cuticle prevents water loss by evaporation
4) deciduous plants lose their leaves in winter

Question 2

Adaptations of Marram Grass? XEROPHYTE

Answer 2

1) Leaves roll longitudinally - makes air humid, reducing water loss
2) Thick waxy cuticle on outer side of rolled leaf (upper epidermis)
3) Stomata on inner side of rolled leaf prevents water loss
4) Stomata in pits covered by hairs, prevents air movement

Question 3

Cacti Adaptations? XEROPHYTE

Answer 3

They are succulents - store water in stems
1) Leaves reduced to spines - less water loss by evaporation
2) roots are widespread - increase water uptake
3) stem is green for photosynthesis

Question 4

Other xerophytic adaptations?

Answer 4

1) a very long tap root to reach water deep underground
2) Low water potential in leaves - high salt conc. - reduces evaporation of water from cell surfaces
3) close stomata when water availability is low - photosynthesis can’t take place when low availability of water.

Question 5

Hydrophyte adaptations?

Answer 5

1) large air spaces keeps leaf afloat
2) stomata on upper surface exposed to air
3) leaf stem has many air spaces (buoyancy and fast diffusion of oxygen to roots for aerobic respiration)