adaptations of different plants

Question 1

what is meant by the term hydrophyte

Answer 1

• a plant that grows completely or partially submerged in water

Question 2

what is meant by the term xerophyte

Answer 2

• a plant that grows with a low water availability

Question 3

what is meant by the term mesophyte

Answer 3

• a plant that grows with an adequate water supply

Question 4

give some adaptations of hydrophytes

Answer 4

• the xylem is poorly developed
• the stomata are found at the upper surface
• the leaves have little or no cuticle
• the stems and leaves have large air spaces
• they have little to no lignified tissues

Question 5

give some adaptations of a mesophyte

Answer 5

• they grow in well drained soils and moderately dry air
• excessive water loss is prevented by stomatal closure
• they survive in the winter as dormant seeds
• shed their leaves in the winter
• water uptake at night compensates for the water loss during the day

Question 6

give some adaptations for a xerophyte

Answer 6

• pine trees have needle like leaves
• cacti have succulent stems
• they can survive in a hot dry desert or in cold regions with frozen soil
• some close the stomata during the day to reduce the water lost
• the cuticle is thick = lower rate of water loss
• sunken stomata = the humid air is trapped reducing the water potential gradient
• rolled leaves = the surface area that transpiration can take place on has been reduced