The answer is: The plants need to survive the year-round dry conditions.
Tundra is characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and limited precipitation. The soil is frozen for a significant part of the year, and the water is unavailable to plants. Therefore, plants that grow in the tundra must be adapted to a cold and dry environment. The small size and thin, wax-covered leaves of tundra plants help them conserve water and limit water loss due to evaporation. The small size also reduces exposure to harsh winds, enabling the plant to retain moisture. Thus, the plants in tundra must be able to survive the year-round dry conditions.
Why are most plants that grow in the tundra small with thin, wax-covered leaves?
• The plants need to survive the hot temperatures in the summer.
• The plants need to be able to grow in the moist, humid air.
• The plants need to survive the year-round dry conditions.
• The plants need to be able to grow in sandy soil.
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