How do Plants Reduce Water Loss?

Plants lose water through transpiration. Transpiration occurs through stomatal openings. Plants have derived various adaptations to reduce water loss to sustain hot and dry conditions.

Adaptations to Reduce Water Loss

• The reduced surface area of leaves. Leaves are sometimes reduced to spines.
• The thick cuticle on leaves reduces water loss.
• Some plants have stomata only on the lower side. Some of the plants have sunken stomata to reduce water loss.
• Succulent plants store water to survive dry weather.
• The physiological mechanism to reduce water loss is a special mechanism of photosynthesis in the plants inhabiting arid regions. It is known as “Crassulacean Acid Metabolism or CAM. Plants are known as CAM Plants. Their stomata are closed during the day and open at night. They absorb carbon dioxide during the night and store it. The C₃ cycle is performed during the day but the stomata remain closed. Xerophytic as well as some of the aquatic plants also show this mechanism. Some of the examples of CAM plants are Orchids, Agave, Cactus, etc.

Also See: Stem Modifications

This was in brief about the various adaptations in plants to reduce water loss. Get access to all the NEET Questions with explanations, only at BYJU’S.

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