Question

How are leaves adapted to reduce transpiration?

Answer 1

Transpiration:

1. The process of transporting water through a plant and its evaporation from aerial regions is known as transpiration.
2. Water is needed for plants, but only a small amount of water is consumed by the root for development and metabolism.
3. Most of the water is lost in the process of transpiration and guttation.
4. Transpiration helps in the absorption and distribution of water in plants by releasing surplus water absorbed, and the osmotic equilibrium of the cell is maintained through the process.

Leaves adapted to reduce transpiration:

Plants have adopted both morphological and anatomical methods to decrease excessive transpiration in order to reduce excessive water loss from the plant body. Some of these adaptations are given below:

1. Leaves shrink to thorns: When the leaves shrink to thorns, the surface area is reduced for transpiration. This reduces the water loss.
2. Decrease in the number of stomata: It is understood that the number of stomata is directly proportional to the transpiration rate. So, the reduction in the number of stomata reduces the transpiration rate.
3. Waxy leaf cuticle: It is impermeable to water and thus prevents evaporation.