18.2.2

Plant Adaptations

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Plant Adpatations

Hydrophytes are plants that are adapted to grow in or around water only (e.g. the waterlily). Xerophytes, on the other hand, are plants that are adapted to grow in very dry environments (e.g. cacti).

Illustrative background for HydrophytesIllustrative background for Hydrophytes ?? "content

Hydrophytes

  • Hydrophytes have adaptations that increase the rate of gas exchange:
    • Submerged leaves that have a large surface area for absorption and photosynthesis.
    • Stomata located on the upper surface of the leaves.
    • Thick waxy cuticle on the upper surface, which prevents water from entering the stomata.
    • Root hairs are reduced because water absorption is not a problem.
Illustrative background for XerophytesIllustrative background for Xerophytes ?? "content

Xerophytes

  • Xerophytes have adaptations that reduce water loss by transpiration:
    • Reduced leaf size to reduce surface area where water could be lost.
    • Thick waxy cuticle to prevent water loss.
    • Stomata may be sunk in pits on the surface, trapping moist air and increasing humidity.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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