Xerophytes

Created by: rachel
Created on: 13-02-13 20:05

What are Xerophytes?

Plants that are adapted to living in places where there is a shortage of water (dry areas).

1 of 6

Explain how a leaf being permanently rolled /rolls up in dry conditions is adapted to reduce water loss.

Air is trapped inside leaf; water vapour diffuses into air, but is lost slowly to atmosphere; the humid air is trapped & reduces the diffusion of water vapour from the stomata; leaves that do this have their stomata facing inwards when leaf is rolled

2 of 6

Explain how a leaf having a thick waxy cuticle is adapted to reduce water loss.

Cuticle is made of waxy substances that waterproof the leaf.

3 of 6

Explain how a leaf covered in hairs is adapted to reduce water loss.

hairs trap a layer of still, humid air; this reduces diffusion of water vapour from the interior of the leaf.

4 of 6

Give four ways of how a Xerophyte may be adapted to reduce water loss.

A permanently rolled leaf/rolls up in dry conditions - Thick cuticle - leaf covered in hairs - stomata sunken in pits or grooves in the leaf.

5 of 6

Explain how a leaf with a stomata sunken in pits or grooves in the leaf is adapted to reduce water loss.

Still, humid air collects in the pits; this reduces the diffusion of water vapour through the stomata.

6 of 6

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Explain how a leaf being permanently rolled /rolls up in dry conditions is adapted to reduce water loss.

Back

Card 3

Front

Explain how a leaf having a thick waxy cuticle is adapted to reduce water loss.

Back

Card 4

Front

Explain how a leaf covered in hairs is adapted to reduce water loss.

Back

Card 5

Front

Give four ways of how a Xerophyte may be adapted to reduce water loss.

Back

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Xerophytes