1. Exam Objective
Describe with the aid of diagrams and photographs, how the leaves of some xerophytes are adapted to reduce water loss by transpiration

2. Xerophytes These live in Hot, dry desert regions
Cold regions where soil water is frozen for most of the year
Exposed, windy locations

3. Introduction
Xerophytes are plants that have adaptations to reduce water loss by transpiration

4. Examples of xerophytes

5. Sections through xerophyte leaves

6. Cactus Has spines instead of leaves, to reduce water loss
The stem (cactus pad) is green and contains chlorophyll, acting as leaves do in other plants

7. Taken from Xerophyte Question in OCR Green Book on Moodle

8. Xerophytes – some key ideas
xerophytes = plants living where water is in short supply
transpiration reduced extensive roots
thick, waxy cuticle stem stores water
small leaf surface area water potential gradient
rolled leaf sunken stomata
absence of leaves
stomata open at night / close in day
stomata surrounded by hairs