Adaptation to dry conditions

This is a plant which is able to survive in very dry conditions. Its sahpe is very different from that of plants found in wet places. Therefore, it is said to be adapted to suit its environment. Environment means surroundings. Adapt means to change so as to fit in with the surroundings.

Plants which are able to survive in dry conditions are called xerophytic. These usually undergo four main types of adaptation, all of them to help conserve water. Conserve means to use up as little as possible.
Take a look at the xerophytic plant. In this case, it is the famous cactus known for its spiky leaves. Did you know that the leaves are one of the most important adaptations of the cactus?

1. These leaves are thin, like spines, and curled round so that water losing pores (stomata) are on the inside, away from the sun and wind.
2. The roots spread out just under the surface of the soil. This is so that when the rain falls, it rarely soaks more than one metre deep. The roots spread out widely in this shallow layer to take in soil water quickly after a shower
3. Desert plants store water to conserve water. Roots and stems are some parts of the desert plants which are able to do so. A round shape can hold more than a long, thin shape so most desert stems have riunded, swollen shapes
4. Stems and leaves are designed to reduce water loss by evaporation. They have a waxy coating which keeps water in . The rounded shapes give desert plants snall surface area for their size compared with plants in wet areas. This means thet have less surface to lose water from, so they keep more water witthin them than plants in wetter lands.

Steps in science by R Bateman and P Lidstone Book 3

Chapter 2 page 14