Xerophytic plants

Question 1

what is a xerophytic plants

Answer 1

plants that have adapted to limit water loss through transpiration, they have different ways to reduce transpiration

Question 2

what are some of the modifications these plants have

Answer 2

Thick cuticle - the thicker the cuticle, the less water can leave.
Rolling up of leaves - this protects the lower epidermis where the stomata are and this area becomes saturated with water vapour and there is no water potential gradient.
hairy leaves - traps moist air next to leaf surface, the water potential is reduced

Question 3

what is the problem xerophytic plants face

Answer 3

efficient gas exchange requires a thin, permeable surface with a large area. these features can lead to considerable loss of water by evaporation.