Organisms use various mechanisms to maintain their internal environment within tolerance limits. Explain TWO adaptations in plants that help to maintain water balance. (4 marks) --- 8 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) --- Answers could include two of the following: → Leaves are covered in a waxy cuticle on their surface which reduces water loss. Plants that live in hotter and/or dryer areas will have thicker waxy cuticles. → Stomata are holes on the underside of the leaf which allow water to leave the plant via the process of transpiration. Stomata are able to close when the plant is exposed to higher temperatures which reduces transpiration. → Many plants also have sunken stomata which reduces transpiration. → A plant’s roots are able to absorb water from the ground, however the depths of these roots is dependant on the plant’s environment. Some plants such as cacti will have a shallow root system to absorb overnight condensation, while other plants have deeper root systems which allow them to reach the lower water table. Answers could include two of the following: → Leaves are covered in a waxy cuticle on their surface which reduces water loss. Plants that live in hotter and/or dryer areas will have thicker waxy cuticles. → Stomata are holes on the underside of the leaf which allow water to leave the plant via the process of transpiration. Stomata are able to close when the plant is exposed to higher temperatures which reduces transpiration. → Many plants also have sunken stomata which reduces transpiration. → A plant’s roots are able to absorb water from the ground, however the depths of these roots is dependant on the plant’s environment. Some plants such as cacti will have a shallow root system to absorb overnight condensation, while other plants have deeper root systems which allow them to reach the lower water table.
BIOLOGY, M8 2023 HSC 29b
Organisms use various mechanisms to maintain their internal environment within tolerance limits. Explain TWO adaptations in plants that help to maintain water balance. (4 marks) --- 8 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---