Evergreen needles have a thick outer coating, called a cuticle. Predict how this provides an advantage for photosynthesis.

Question

Responses
A The cuticle holds in more glucose.
The cuticle holds in more glucose.
B The cuticle helps keep the tree cooler.The cuticle helps keep the tree cooler.
C The cuticle allows for enhanced gas exchange.The cuticle allows for enhanced gas exchange.
D The cuticle allows them to retain more water.

Answer 1

D The cuticle allows them to retain more water.

The thick cuticle on evergreen needles helps to reduce water loss through transpiration, allowing the tree to retain more water. This is important for photosynthesis because water is needed for the process to occur efficiently. By retaining more water, the tree can continue to photosynthesize even in dry conditions.