Question

In addition to the shape of the leaves, what are two other adaptations that help conifers conserve water?

Answer 1

Thick cuticle covering the surface of leaf and sunken stomata

Explanation:

Conifers conserve water by minimizing water loss due to transpiration from leaves. Various adaptations that conserve water are:

1. The shape of leaves : The leaves are small needle like with very little surface area from which transpiration can occur.

2. Cuticle : The surface of leaves on the upper side, that is exposed to sunlight, is covered by thick cuticle. Thus transpiration is almost nil from the general surface of leaf. Only site from where transpiration can occur is stomata, which are located on the lower epidermis.

3. Position and structure of stomata : The stomata are located on the lower epidermis, that is not directly exposed to light. The guard cells in stomata are sunken so that there is epistomatal cavity above the guard cells.

The epistomatal cavity does not come in direct contact of the air currents of atmosphere. The air in epistomatal cavity thus becomes more humid as compared to atmosphere. The unique structure of stoamta in conifer thus help in reducing the rate of transpiration.