Question

Do different species of plants growing in the same area show the same rate of transpiration at a particular time? Justify your answer

Answer 1

Transpiration:

Transpiration is the loss of water in the form of water vapor from the aerial parts of the plant.

Adaptations of plants:


Plants growing in the same area might not show the same rate of transpiration, as each plant has its own adaptations in order to survive. Few of the adaptations are as follows:

• Leaf area and structure- The more the area of the lamina and broader the leaf, the rate of transpiration is more. Example banyan has broader leaves than neem.
• The number and distribution of stomata- Based on the distribution of stoma there are isobilateral and dorsiventral leaves. Dorsiventral leaves (usually found in dicots) have more stomata on the lower side than the upper side of the leaf and isobilateral leaves (usually found in monocots) have equal stomata on both sides. This is to reduce the loss of water due to transpiration.
• Percentage of open stomata- Some plants like Nerium have sunken stomata to reduce transpiration. The C4 plants like desert plants and maize have their stomata closed during the day time to reduce the rate of transpiration.
• Water status of the plant- If the plant has a lot of water then the transpiration rate increases.
• Thicker cuticle- Leaves having thick cuticles like banyan have less transpiration rate.
• Rolling up of the leaves or twisted leaves reduces the surface area in contact with the air thus reducing the rate of transpiration.

Conclusion:

Therefore due to various modifications and plant structures, different species of plants growing in the same area show different rates of transpiration at a particular time.