limiting water loss in xerophytes

Question 1

define xerophytes

Answer 1

plants that are adapted to live in extreme environment

Question 2

list 3 adaptations of xerophytes that reduce water loss by evaporation

Answer 2

To reduce water loss by evaporation:
- waterproof covering (waxy cuticle) on leaves
- Close stomata
- reduced SA:vol eg pine needles

Question 3

list 3 adaptations of xerophytes that reduce water potential gradient

Answer 3

The following adaptations trap air with high water potential to reduce water potential gradient
- rolled leaves
- hairy leaves
- stomata in pits

Question 4

name one plant that is a xerophyte

Answer 4

marram grass

Question 5

Explain how stomata in pits reduce water loss

Answer 5

there is a layer of air trapped in the pit
Reduces the water vapour potential gradient
Less water loss

Question 6

Explain how hairy leaves reduce water loss

Answer 6

Reduces the water vapour potential gradient
Less water loss

Question 7

Explain how rolling leaves reduces water loss

Answer 7

A region of still air is trapped just outside the leaf
This becomes saturated with water so has a high water vapour potential
so there is a lower water vapour potential gradient between inside and outside of leaf
Less water loss

Question 8

Describe the purpose of the cuticle on a leaf

Answer 8

reduce water loss from the upper surface of the leaf

Question 9

what is the name for plants that are adapted to reduce water loss by transpiration

Answer 9

xerophytes