Digitaria sp. and Eleusine sp. are adapted to two different environments that offer different water availability. In this experiment, they placed both species of plants under dry conditions and looked at the root biomas and leaf water potential. Based on the graphs below explain which one is adapted to a dry environment and which one to a wet one. Explain the nature of their adaptation and how does it impact their ability to maintain their leaf water potential.

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Ecology
**Adaptation of Digitaria sp. and Eleusine sp. in Different Water Conditions**

**Overview:**
Digitaria sp. and Eleusine sp. are plant species adapted to environments with varying water availability. This experiment involved placing both species under dry conditions to observe the changes in root biomass and leaf water potential.

**Experimental Observations:**

1. **Graph 1: Root Dry Weight/Biomass Over Time**
   - The x-axis represents time in days (from 0 to 20 days).
   - The y-axis represents root dry weight or biomass in mg/plant (ranging from 0 to 400).
   - **Digitaria sp.** is represented by a red line with points, showing a steeper increase in biomass compared to Eleusine sp.
   - **Eleusine sp.** is represented by a blue line with points, showing a gradual but slower increase in biomass.

2. **Graph 2: Leaf Water Potential Over Time**
   - The x-axis represents time in days (from 0 to 20 days).
   - The y-axis represents leaf water potential in MPa (ranging from -2.0 to 0).
   - **Digitaria sp.** shows relatively stable leaf water potential over the 20-day period, maintaining higher levels compared to Eleusine sp.
   - **Eleusine sp.** shows a more pronounced decline in leaf water potential, indicating higher water stress under dry conditions.

**Analysis:**
- **Adaptations:**
  - **Digitaria sp.** is better adapted to dry environments. This is supported by its higher root biomass and stable leaf water potential, indicating efficient water uptake and retention.
  - **Eleusine sp.** is better suited for wet conditions as it struggles to maintain leaf water potential and shows less increase in root biomass under dry conditions.

**Implications for Plant Water Content Budget:**
- The experiment reveals that in dry conditions, root biomass increase (growth) and maintenance of leaf water potential are critical components affected by water availability.
- **Digitaria sp.** effectively increases its biomass and maintains water content by minimizing water loss, making it more resilient in arid environments.
- **Eleusine sp.** is likely to experience more significant water stress and may require more water supply to maintain its physiological processes effectively.

The observed data suggest critical insights into how different species adapt their growth and water management strategies to cope with varying water
Transcribed Image Text:**Adaptation of Digitaria sp. and Eleusine sp. in Different Water Conditions** **Overview:** Digitaria sp. and Eleusine sp. are plant species adapted to environments with varying water availability. This experiment involved placing both species under dry conditions to observe the changes in root biomass and leaf water potential. **Experimental Observations:** 1. **Graph 1: Root Dry Weight/Biomass Over Time** - The x-axis represents time in days (from 0 to 20 days). - The y-axis represents root dry weight or biomass in mg/plant (ranging from 0 to 400). - **Digitaria sp.** is represented by a red line with points, showing a steeper increase in biomass compared to Eleusine sp. - **Eleusine sp.** is represented by a blue line with points, showing a gradual but slower increase in biomass. 2. **Graph 2: Leaf Water Potential Over Time** - The x-axis represents time in days (from 0 to 20 days). - The y-axis represents leaf water potential in MPa (ranging from -2.0 to 0). - **Digitaria sp.** shows relatively stable leaf water potential over the 20-day period, maintaining higher levels compared to Eleusine sp. - **Eleusine sp.** shows a more pronounced decline in leaf water potential, indicating higher water stress under dry conditions. **Analysis:** - **Adaptations:** - **Digitaria sp.** is better adapted to dry environments. This is supported by its higher root biomass and stable leaf water potential, indicating efficient water uptake and retention. - **Eleusine sp.** is better suited for wet conditions as it struggles to maintain leaf water potential and shows less increase in root biomass under dry conditions. **Implications for Plant Water Content Budget:** - The experiment reveals that in dry conditions, root biomass increase (growth) and maintenance of leaf water potential are critical components affected by water availability. - **Digitaria sp.** effectively increases its biomass and maintains water content by minimizing water loss, making it more resilient in arid environments. - **Eleusine sp.** is likely to experience more significant water stress and may require more water supply to maintain its physiological processes effectively. The observed data suggest critical insights into how different species adapt their growth and water management strategies to cope with varying water
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