Limiting water loss

• Limiting water loss in insects:

  • small surface area to volume ratio - minimises area over which water is lost
  • waterproof coverings
  • spiracles - open and close when need or don’t need more oxygen
• Limiting water loss in terrestrial plants:

  • waterproof coverings
  • opening and closing of stomata
• Limiting water loss in xerophytes (cacti etc):

  • thick cuticle
  • rolling up leaves - traps moisture
  • hairy leaves
  • reduced surface area to volume ratio