Plant Adaptations
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in descending order, list out the features of a plant
• waxy cuticle • upper epidermis (containing tightly packed cells) • layer of palisade mesophyll tissue • xylem and phloem tubes • spongy mesophyll tissue with air spaces • lower epidermis containing stomata • guard cell
why do desert plants have thick cuticles
to protect against excessive loss of water from transpiration
adaptation of palisade layer
• has lots of chloroplast • near the top of the leaf for more light absorption • means higher rate of photosynthesis
adaptation of stomata open during the day
allows more CO2 and water to diffuse into the plant throughout the day
adaptation of leaf being very thin
CO2 doesnt have long distances to diffuse before reaching a cell that needs it
adaptation of spongy cells creating air spaces inside the leaf
air spaces provide large surface area for cells to exchange gases with the air
adaptations of manzita bushes
• small leaves to minimise surface area for water loss by transpiration / by evaporation • green leaves means lots of chloroplast for more light absorption in desert sun • thick waxy cuticle to protect against excessive water loss, as hot sun means they’re more prone to drying up
special features of the oak tree
broad and disposable leaves so they can shed them to minimise water loss through transpiration
special features of prarie grass
• narrow leaves to lose less water and 3.5m deep roots to absorb moisture when dry • bright flowers attract pollenators
special features of the water lily
• stomatas on upper surface of leaves as bottom is facing water • flat leaves to maximise light exposure • weak stems allows them to focus energy on expanding leaf network
special features of the cactus
• thick fleshy stems to store water • widespread root system collect water form a large area • spines to minimise water loss to transpiration
adaptation of the upper epidermis
transparent so that light can pass through it to the palisade layer
adaptations of xylem and phloem vessels
• form a network of vascular bundles • which provide plant with water for photosynthesis • and takes away glucose produced • also help support its structure
adaptation of the lower epidermis
• has lots of stomata - which let CO2 diffuse directly into the leaf
adaptation of the spongy mesophyll tissue
contains air spaces which increases the rate of diffusion of gases into and out of the leaf’s cells
why would plants in the desert have curled leaves or hairs on the surface of leaves
• it reduces air flow close to the leaf - trapping water vapour near the surface and reducing diffusion from the leaf to the air
why would a plant in the desert have fewer stomata or stomata that only open at night
to reduce water loss by evaporation
why would a plant in the desert have stomata sunken in pits
• makes stomata lower than the surface of the leaf • which reduces air flow close to the stomata • this reduces water loss in the same way as curled leaves