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Multiple Choice
Which adaptation is used by CAM plants to minimize transpiration?
A
Having a high surface area to volume ratio
B
Utilizing photorespiration
C
Opening stomata at night
D
Using bundle sheath cells for photosynthesis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) plants have adapted to arid environments where water conservation is crucial.
Recognize that transpiration is the process of water vapor loss from plant leaves through stomata, which are small openings on the leaf surface.
Identify that CAM plants minimize water loss by opening their stomata at night instead of during the day. This adaptation allows them to take in carbon dioxide (CO2) when the temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher, reducing water loss.
During the night, CAM plants store the absorbed CO2 in the form of malate in vacuoles. This stored CO2 is then used during the day for photosynthesis when the stomata are closed, further conserving water.
Compare this adaptation with other plant types, such as C3 and C4 plants, to understand the unique strategies CAM plants use to survive in dry conditions.