6.5 Limiting water loss

?
View mindmap
  • 6.5 Limiting water loss
    • Terrestrial org - problem btwn needs efficient GE system & conserve water.
      • Feat make good GE system = ^ water loss.
        • Must limit water loss w/o compromise GE
    • GE surf of terrestrial org inside body. Air at exchange surface +/- 100% sat w/ water vapour = less evap water from ES
    • Limiting water loss in insects
      • Most insects terrestrial. Water easy evap surf body = dehydrated
      • Efficient GE req...
        • Thin
        • Permeable
          • All conflict w/ conserve water. Organism needs a balance
            • Thin
            • Large SA
        • Large SA
      • Insects evolved: small SA:V - minimise area water loss.
      • Waterproof coverings
        • Rigid outer skeleton of chitin covered w/ waterproof cuticle
          • These feat mean insects cannot use body surf to diffuse resp gases in way signle-celled org does.
            • Spiracles - opening trachea @ body surf - reduce water loss. Conflicts w/ need for O so occurs when insect resting.
            • Instead have internal network tubes called tracheae - carry air cont oxygen directly 2 respiring tiss.
      • Spiracles - opening trachea @ body surf - reduce water loss. Conflicts w/ need for O so occurs when insect resting.
    • Limiting water loss in plants
      • Also have waterproof coverings
      • Cannot have small SA:V bc photosynthesis require opposite to abs light
      • terrest plants have waterproof covering over parts of the leaves + ability to close stomata when nec
      • Certain plants w/ restrict water supply evolve limit water loss thro transpiration - xenophytes
        • Main way surviving = reduce water loss thro evap
      • Leaves have thick cuticle, less water escape.
      • Leaves roll up bc stomata largely confined to lower epidermis. Traps region still, moist air (saturated w/ water vapour ^ WP. No water potential gradient btwn out & in = no water loss
      • Hairy leaves - thick layer on leaves - esp lower epidermis, traps still, moist air next 2 leaf surf. WP grad btwn in & out reduced so less water lost by evap
        • Main way surviving = reduce water loss thro evap
      • Stomata in pits or grooves - trap air next 2 surf - reduce WP gradient
      • Reduced SA:V. Smaller the SA:V slower the rate diffusion.
        • Having leaves small, roughly circular in cross-section (pine needles) rather than broad & flat.

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Biology resources:

See all Biology resources »See all Cellular processes resources »