Biology 3.1.3 Xerophytes

Question	Answer
What are xerophytes?	Plants that are adapted to survive in dry climates
What is the main reason for adaptions of the xerophytes in order for them to survive	To reduce water loss
Give two examples of xerophytes	Marram grass Cacti
Why are there spines rather than leaves?	So that the SA:V ratio is reduced to reduce transpiration. they are also waxy to reduce transpiration
Why do they have hairs?	They create a micro-climate which has still, humid air, which reduces the water potential gradient and reduces transpiration
Why do xerophytes have rolled leaves?	It confines the stoma within a still humid micro-climate, which reduces the water potential gradient, reducing transpiration
Do xerophytes have a thick or thin waxy cuticle? Why?	Thick so that the rate of evaporation is reduced, reducing water loss
Where are the stomata found? Why?	In the pits so that they are sheltered from the climate, and traps moist air around stomata, lowering the water potential gradient and reducing transpiration

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	Created by Sam Gunnell about 5 years ago