Plant adaptations for life on land
≈ 48 minPlant adaptations for life on land
Moving onto land created problems of water loss, support, transport and reproduction without free water. A waxy cuticle reduces evaporation; stomata balance gas exchange with water loss; xylem carries water and supports stems; phloem transports sugars. Seeds protect an embryo and store food, while pollen carries male gametes without requiring a film of water. An adaptation is useful in a particular environment, not universally better.
Work it through
A tall tree can place leaves high in sunlight because lignified xylem supports it and carries water upward. On a dry day, partly closed stomata reduce water loss but also limit carbon dioxide entry, so photosynthesis may slow.
Mastery target
Link each plant structure to the survival problem it helps solve and name a trade-off.
Which feature most directly allows fertilisation without free-standing water?
Name the key biological term from Plant adaptations for life on land: enter the term that best fits the explanation and visual model.
Why might a plant close some stomata during a hot, dry afternoon?
Which statement corrects a common misunderstanding in Plant adaptations for life on land?