adaptations

• Xerophytic plants


  • Adaptations which allow them to live in hot and dry conditions
• Small leaves


  Ensure less water is lost from the plant by transpiration because the leaf has a smaller surface area
• Tap roots


  Long roots (7-10 metres long) that reach deep under the ground to access water supplies
• Spines


  Some plants have spines instead of leaves, eg cactuses. Spines lose less water than leaves so are very efficient in a hot climate. Spines also prevent animals from eating the plant.
• Waxy skin


  Some leaves have a thick, waxy skin on their surface. This reduces water loss by transpiration.
• Water storage


  Some plants, known as succulents, store water in their stems, leaves, roots or even fruits. Plants which store water in their leaves and stems also have a thick waxy skin so that they lose less water by transpiration.
• Cactuses


  • Have spines to reduce water loss
• Succulents


  • Store water in their stems
• Plants with tap roots


  • Have long tap roots to reach water deep beneath the ground