Ecological Niche of xerophytes
Xerophytes are a group of plants who have adapted to living in an environment with very little water. Xerophytes generally live in areas such as deserts, mountain ranges, or arctic areas. They live in areas where there is very little water, or the rate of evaporation is rapid. Xerophytes can live in extreme heat, as heat causes rapid evaporation therefore reducing the supply of water. Xerophytes may also live in areas of high winds, as wind can speed up evaporation as well, and arctic or extremely cold areas can also have xerophytes as water can not be obtained by the plant if the ground is frozen. Xerophytes are always respiring throughout the night and day, and their photosynthesis also takes place partly in the day and partly in the night, as they undergo CAM photosynthesis. Xerophytes will be in competition with other organisms such as other plants and animals for nutrients and water, as water is so scarce in their environment.
general adaptations of xerophytes
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The plants that are silver or light colours have an advantage, as silver and light colours reflect sunlight and heat, which can prevent water loss by evaporation which can conserve the water reservoir inside the plant. Xerophytes in heat are constantly at risk of evaporation, so the silver colour helps prevent and decrease water loss. As seen in the image beside (left), the Aloe vera xerophyte uses its light green and silver colour to reflect light and heat, preventing excessive evaporation. |
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- Stomata (presence and structure)
- Structure and support
- Vascular system