xerophytes Flashcards
(8 cards)
What are xerophytes?
Plants that possess a range of adaptations to limit water loss
What does a thick cuticle provide?
A long diffusion pathway
How do hairs on the leaf surface reduce water loss?
They trap a still layer of air which becomes saturated with water vapour, reducing water potential gradient
How does rolling up of leaves reduce water loss?
Traps a layer of still air which becomes saturated with water vapour, reducing water potential gradient
What is an example of a xerophyte?
Marram grass
What happens to the surface area to volume ratio of the leaves?
It is reduced
Where are the stomata positioned?
Epidermal pits or grooves beneath the leaf surface
How does this reduce water loss?
Reduces exposure to air currents which reduces the water potential gradient
