Question

A mesophytic plant growing in well-watered soil shows decreased transpiration in the afternoon due to

• A. Closure of many stomata
• B. Contraction of cuticle
• C. Less water availabilty from soil
• D. High rate of photosynthesis

Answer 1

The correct option is A Closure of many stomata

Mesophytes do not have any special internal structure. Opening and closing of stomata is related to water availability. when there is a suffient supply of water, stomata remain open while in a limited supply of water, stomata are closed to prevent excessive transpiration leading to wilting. They have no specific adaptations to overcome this and can only respond by closing their stomata to prevent further transpiration. This reduces the surface of leaves exposed to the atmosphere, which reduces transpiration. Thus, the correct option is (A).