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 tight 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 Rae
• 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.