When it rains in the desert, the water quickly evaporates. Many desert plants have specialized structures that allow the plants to take in as much water as possible from the ground before the water is lost to evaporation. Their roots spread out near the surface of the soil to more efficiently collect water. On the rare occasions when it rains, plants like the elephant tree are also able to store water in their trunks and branches.
Another characteristic of some desert plants like the elephant tree is that they only open their leaf pores, or stomata, at night to allow an exchange of gases with the atmosphere. The plants store the gases absorbed at night until the next day's sunlight makes it possible for photosynthesis to occur In seasons when the elephant tree has lost its leaves, the tree can still photosynthesize in the outer layer of its bark.
Which adaptation to a dry climate most helps the elephant tree continue to grow by reducing the loss of moisture?
A
a deep root system
B
loss of leaves during a drought
C
photosynthesis in the bark
D
closing of stomata in daylight
1 answer
The adaptation that most helps the elephant tree continue to grow by reducing the loss of moisture is:
D) closing of stomata in daylight.
This adaptation prevents water loss during the hottest part of the day when evaporation rates are highest. By opening their stomata at night instead, the tree can take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis while minimizing moisture loss.
