Plant Adaptations

Question 1

What process must leaves in hot and dry climates be adapted to reduce?
Example of how?

Answer 1

Reduce transpiration- water loss

eg: Stomata might open at night and close at midday- closed when transpiration is greatest

Question 2

What are some adaptations of plants in hot and dry environments and why?

Answer 2

• Spines instead of leaves - reduces SA for transpiration
• Reduced number of stomata- reduces transpiration rate
• Waxy leaf cuticle- impermeable to water, stops evaporation
• Rolled leaves, leaf hairs and stomata sunk in pits- traps moist air, increase humidity and reduces the diffusion of water vapour.