In a rainforest, plants like orchids face challenges such as low light penetration due to the dense canopy above them. This can limit their ability to perform photosynthesis effectively, leading them to adapt by growing to reach brighter areas or developing smaller leaves to reduce moisture loss. In contrast, desert plants, such as succulents, deal with extreme temperatures and scarce water. They often use a different photosynthesis process called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) to conserve water, allowing them to photosynthesize during the cooler night instead of the hot day. Both types of plants have developed unique adaptations to survive and thrive in their specific environments.
Plants in different environments have challenges that only they have. For example, the growth of a plant in a rainforest (such as an orchid) might be more affected by different things than a plant in a desert (such as a succulent). In four to five sentences, compare environmental challenges that could affect the photosynthetic process of a rainforest plant versus a desert plant. Please make your answer simple, yet also coherent. Intended for 9th grade.
1 answer