Plant adaptation to transpiration

• Water loss happens because the stomata need to open so the leaf can take in carbon dioxide as a raw material for photosynthesis
• Plants


  • Can minimize water loss whilst allowing photosynthesis to continue
  • Through structural and physiological adaptations in different environments
• Plant adaptations to different environments


  • Hydrophytes (aquatic plants)
  • Mesophytes (temperate plants)
  • Xerophytes (arid plants)
• Hydrophytes (aquatic plants)


  • May be completely submerged or have floating leaves
  • Cope with excess water as shortage is not a problem
  • Leaves covered in hairs around stomata to reduce transpiration
  • Lignified stems and leaves to prevent wilting
  • Small and reduced leaves to reduce surface area for water loss
  • Thick succulent stems without leaves
  • Little lignin in xylem as leaf is supported by water
  • Very thin cuticle as water conservation is not a problem
  • Stomata on upper surface to allow CO2 diffusion
• Mesophytes (temperate plants)


  • Adapted for high temperature, high wind and very low temperature
  • Leaves have thick waxy cuticle on upper epidermis to reduce water loss
  • Stomata confined to cooler, lower epidermis
  • Stomata closed to reduce water loss in extreme heat or cold
  • Deciduous trees shed leaves in winter to remove evaporating surfaces
• Xerophytes (arid plants)


  • Adapted to living in dry, arid regions like deserts
  • Have structural adaptations to conserve water
  • Many have spines and volatile compounds to defend against water-seeking herbivores
  • Short trunk, numerous branches and small thick leaves
  • Long roots that penetrate deep to obtain water from low water table
  • Shallow roots to absorb water from lightest rainfall
  • Succulent stems for storing water
  • Few sunken stomata in lower epidermis to trap moist air and reduce transpiration
  • Hairy or rolled up leaves to trap moist air around stomata
  • Stomata closed during hot day, open at night when evaporation is low
  • Use different form of photosynthesis to incorporate CO2 at night
  • Stems photosynthesize
  • Have deep and extensive shallow roots