Question

Why terrestrial plants die if their roots remain water logged

Answer 1

This is happens because plants roots contains meristem, the meristem is the growth region where active growth takes plant. The meristem respires because it contains cells that engage in continuous cell division, these cells need air.But due to the presence of water for long time, too much water expells all the air from in between the soil particles. Thus,making the cells unable to carryout there function. This leads to the death of the plant. Some plants called xerophytes can survive in arid areas, areas with low rainfall because they have waxy curticles that prevents water loss through transpiration. The plant is able to survive as a result of the water in it and not the one in the soil.