Module 2Exchange and transport

1.2.18 Reducing water loss

Learning Objectives Success Criteria

• To understand xerophytes and understand how they are adapted to reduce water loss

• To be able to understand how specific plants are adapted

• Define the term xerophyte (Grade D – C)

• Explain why transpiration is a consequence of gas exchange (Grade C –B)

• Describe, with the aid of diagrams, how the leaves of some xerophytes are adapted to reduce water loss

(Grade B – A)

Xerophyte

• A plant adapted to living in a dry arid habitat; a desert plant

TaskComplete the table explaining how each of the

adaptations reduce water loss.Include keywordsTranspirationWater potentialWater vapour potential

•Define the term xerophyte (Grade D – C)

•Explain why transpiration is a consequence of gas exchange (Grade C –B)

Research ICT task

• In the greenhouse there are several different type of xerophytes– Choose at least 3 different xerophytes and identify

all their adaptations to living in arid/dry conditions

Describe, with the aid of diagrams, how the leaves of some xerophytes are adapted to reduce water loss (Grade B – A)

Plenary

• Xerophytes are plants living in desert habitats where the conditions are very ……………. . Their leaves show a variety of modifications to ……………….. transpiration. Many have a thick ……………… cuticle. Their leaves may be covered with hairs which trap ……………. ……………. . In some, the leaves are in the form of needles which reduces their surface area. Their ……………. are often sunken into pits in the surface of the leaf or stem. [5]