AP BIOLOGY

ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

OSMOREGULATION

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What type of plants are best suited to dry/arid environments?
A
Xerophytes
B
Sophytes
C
Hydrophytes
D
Mesophytes
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Xerophytes such as cacti are capable of withstanding extended periods of dry conditions as they have deep-spreading roots and capacity to store water. Their waxy, thorny leaves prevent loss of moisture. Even their fleshy stems can store water.

Detailed explanation-2: -Xerophytes (Dry) Plant adapted to live in dry conditions. Common adaptations to reduce the rate of transpiration include: Thick waxy cuticle: The cuticle cuts down water loss in two ways: it acts as a barrier to evaporation and also the shiny surface reflects heat and so lowers temperature.

Detailed explanation-3: -Xerophytes are a group of plants that are adapted to survive in arid regions like desert and snow-covered areas. Xerophytes have stomata with microscopic openings and elongated leaves that store large amounts of water. Sometimes even their stems store water. They have deep-spreading roots that search for water.

Detailed explanation-4: -xerophyte, any plant adapted to life in a dry or physiologically dry habitat (salt marsh, saline soil, or acid bog) by means of mechanisms to prevent water loss or to store available water. Succulents (plants that store water) such as cacti and agaves have thick, fleshy stems or leaves.

Detailed explanation-5: -Certain xerophytes have a waxy covering over their stomata, thus curbing water loss. Others contain very few stomata, or stomata that only open at night when it’s cooler. Each of these adaptations limits water loss and allows the plant to survive in dry environments.

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