Chapter 21, Problem 9A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The adaptation of a plant living in the desert

Introduction:

Plants are important to our survival. The oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, and many of the things that make our lives comfortable. Plants are multicellular eukaryotes with tissues and organs that have specialized structures and functions. Plants that inhabited land developed adaptations that helped them survive limited water resources as well as other environmental factors.

Explanation of Solution

An adaptation found on most above ground plant parts is a fatty coating called the cuticle on the outer surface of their cells. The cuticle is produced by the outer layer of cells. Plants in dry environment such as dessert plant have a thick waxy over the cuticle. The cuticle helps prevent the evaporation of water from plant tissues and also can act as a barrier to invading microorganisms.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the cuticle is important to a plant living in the desert as it reduces water loss through the leaves.