Insects and water loss | - If losing too much water, close spiracles using muscles
- Have waterproof, waxy cuticle on body
- Tiny hair on spiracles, both reduce evaporation |
Plants and water loss | - Stomata kept open for gas exchange
- Water enters guard cells, making them turgid
- Opens pores
- If plant gets dehydrated, guard cells become flaccid, closes stomata |
Xerophytes | - Plants adapted for life in warm, dry or windy habitats
- Where water loss is a problem |
Xerophytes adaptations | - Stomata sunk in pits that trap moist air, reducing concen.gradi. of water between leaf + air
- Hairs on epidermis, traps moist air
- Curled leaves, stomata inside, protect from wind
- Waterproof, waxy cuticles, reduce evaporation |