Describe the how terrestrial plants overcome the challenges of terrestrial environment.
- They have shinny leaf surfaces to reflect much of the incident light rays do avoid overheating.
- They have a thick, waxy cuticle impermeable to water. This reduces water loss from the plants surface.
- Plants have developed a vascular system so as to pump water from the roots to all parts of the plant.
- Flowering plants have developed pollen tubes to deliver the pollen to the ovule so as to allow for fertilization in the absence of water.
- Some have leaves reduced into spikes, which reduces the surface area over which water can be lost through transpiration.
- In some xerophytes, the stomata open at night and close during day to reduce water loss during day.
- Some have stomata sunken into hairy leaf surface to reduce water loss by transpiration.
- Some plants produce pores and others seeds which withstand the dry conditions and help the plant to survive the long dry periods.
- Most xerophytes reproduce by vegetative propagation, during the need for favorable conditions for germination
- They have tissue tolerant to desiccation.
- Some plants reproduce by spores which are resistant to harsh conditions.
- Flowering plants have reduced the gametophyte which is prone to desiccation in lower plants.
- Plants have developed a specialized tissue to provide support to the plant.
- They develop a deep extensive root system to exploit as much area as possible for water absorption.
- Some shed their leaves occasionally to reduce water loss.
- Some have short life cycles that avoid droughts.
- Some species of plants roll their leaves with the lower surface inside during dry conditions. This reduces water loss through transpiration.
- Some species of plants have reduced their leaves into thorns to avoid browsing animals.
- They have developed extensive root system to maximize absorption of water
CATEGORIES Bio Questions and answers
TAGS Dr. Bbosa Science
