How plants have adapted to dry conditions.

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  • Created by: maddy8488
  • Created on: 01-02-14 15:21

Succulence

  • Succulent plants store water in fleshy leaves eg. Bao bab trees.
  • They quickly absorb water through large shallow root systems.
  • they will have a waxy surface so they are almost waterproof and they can stop losing water from transpiration.
  • Spines or they are toxic to stop animals from eating them.
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Drought Tolerance

  • During drought they shed leaves to prevent water loss. 
  • They become dormant.
  • They have deep roots to penetrate the soil and rock to reach underground water. 
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Drought Avoidance

  • Annuals, survive one season, have a rapid life cycle and die after seeding.
  • Seeds last for years, germinating only when soil moisture is high.
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Example- Saguaro Cactus

Saguaro Cactus

  • It's expanding trunk allows it to take in and store a great deal of water when it is availble.
  • It does not need a lot of water to survive.
  • It's flower only opens on cooler nights and is closed during the heat of midday
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