The adaptations of plants to the availability of water 3.3.6

Question 1

Why is access to water a problem for plants living on land (terrestrial plants)?

Answer 1

• During the day, plants take up a lot of carbon dioxide and release oxygen for photosynthesis, and to do this the stomata must be open - however this creates an easy route for water to be lost through transpiration.
• Therefore these must be adapted to reduce this loss of water and replace the water that is lost

Question 2

State 3 structural and behavioural adaptations of a terrestrial plant

Answer 2

• Waxy cuticle will reduce water loss due to evaporation through the epidermis
• Stomata are found on the underside of the leaf to reduce evaporation from the direct heating of the sun
• Most stomata close at night, where there is no light for photosynthesis (&therefore no carbon dioxide requirement)

Question 3

What are xerophytes?

Answer 3

Plants adapted to living in dry conditions

Question 4

What are hydrophytes?

Answer 4

Plants adapted to living in wet conditions

Question 5

Name a problem for hydrophytes, and state the way they are adapted for this

Answer 5

• Water logging is a major issue for all hydrophytes:
  The air spaces need to be full of air , not water, which will help the plants float so they are near the surface, so that they can get more light for photosynthesis