Plant adaptations Questions

Question 1

How do the following adaptations help a cactus survive in a dry environment?

• no leaves
• green body
• thick, fleshy body
• large root system

Answer 1

• no leaves reduces water loss to air
• allows photosynthesis to take place
• stores water for times of drought
• collects as much water as possible from underground

Question 2

The creosote bush lives in very hot, dry conditions in Arizona, USA.
Explain how the following adaptations help it to survive:

a) very small leaves covered wih wax
b) During very dry conditions its leaves fold in half and some of the leaves may drop off the plant
c) It has a special kind of photosynthesis that means it takes in carbon dioxide at night and stores it to use in photosynthesis by day

Answer 2

a) smaller surface area to reduce evaporation of water, wax to reduce water loss/make leaf waterproof
b) reduces surface area, reduces evaporation of water
c) stomata open at night/close by day, which reduces water loss