Xerophytes and hydrophytes

Overview

The adaptations that cut water loss in cacti and marram grass, and the air spaces, surface stomata and reduced xylem of a water lily.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What are xerophytes?

   Model answer

   Xerophytes are plants adapted to survive in environments with limited water availability.

2. 2

   State three adaptations of cacti that reduce water loss.

   Model answer

   Thick waxy cuticles, reduced leaves modified into spines, and sunken stomata.

3. 3

   How are cacti adapted to maximise water uptake and storage?

   Model answer

   They store water in succulent stems and have shallow, widespread root systems to absorb water rapidly after rainfall.

4. 4

   How does the leaf structure of marram grass reduce transpiration?

   Model answer

   Marram grass has rolled leaves with stomata on the inner surface, creating a humid microenvironment that reduces transpiration.

5. 5

   Apart from rolled leaves, what other features of marram grass reduce water loss?

   Model answer

   A thick waxy cuticle and hairs on the inner leaf surface trap moist air and reduce the water potential gradient.

6. 6

   What are hydrophytes?

   Model answer

   Hydrophytes are plants adapted to live in water or waterlogged conditions.

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