section 3 (9) describe adaptations of a range of terrestrial Australian plants that assist in minimising water loss

Question 1

what is the main form of water loss in plants?

Answer 1

The main form of water loss in plants is due to transpiration – evaporation of water from the stomata of leaves

Question 2

what are the 2 functions of transpiration?

Answer 2

1) to draw water and dissolved ions up the xylem

2) part of evaporative cooling.

Question 3

What are Xerophytes?

Answer 3

plants that live in arid conditions and possess adaptations which allow them to achieve the balance between losing water for cooling purposes at the risk of dehydration

Question 4

what are the 3 main problems facing plants with regard to water loss?

Answer 4

1) If plants lose too much water through transpiration they run the risk of dehydrating, yet the loss of water by this evaporative cooling mechanism is an essential part of temperature regulation to keep plant cells within the optimal range for cell functioning.
2) If plants reduce the surface area of their leaves or lose their leave, the number of stomata exposed to the external environment will be reduced – reducing the photosynthetic surface area to sunlight.
3) If plants retain their leaves but develop ways of ensuring that stomata do not open, the gaseous exchange between the leaf and the surrounding air becomes limited, and as a result, enough carbon dioxide may not be available for photosynthesis.

Question 5

What are 4 adaptations in Australian plants to minimize water loss?

Answer 5

1) vertical leaves
2) Water Storage
3) closing stomates
4) ‘hairy leaves’