Question

A mesophytic plant growing in well-watered soil shows decreased transpiration in the afternoon due to
(a) Closure of many stomata
(b) Contraction of cuticle
(c) Less water availability from soil
(d) High rate of photosynthesis

Answer 1

Mesophytic conditions are characterized by an average of neither too dry nor too wet soil to high temperatures. In soggy, poorly drained soil, most mesophytic plants aren't doing well. Mesophytes are usually grown in warm, open areas such as fields or meadows, or shady wooded areas. Owing to reduced transpiration, the tiny pores present on their leaves are closed.

Complete step by step answer:
- The mesophytes have no specific internal structure. The opening and closing of stomata are linked to the availability of water. If there is an ample supply of water, stomata remain open while the stomata are closed in a small supply of water to avoid excessive transpiration that contributes to wilting.
- To resolve this, they have no special adaptations and can only respond by closing their stomata to prevent further transpiration. This decreases the surface area of leaves that are exposed to the atmosphere, thereby minimizing transpiration.
- A stomata is a pore located in the epidermis of leaves and needles that regulate the exchange rate of gas.
- Stomata, small openings on the leaves' undersides, close in hot or windy weather to reduce evaporation and decrease water loss. Stomata are also open to allow carbon dioxide absorption and close to releasing oxygen as a waste product.
So, the correct answer is, ‘Closure of many stomata’.

Note: Despite being advanced plants with a range of highly developed mechanisms of survival, mesophytic plants have no unique adaptations for water or extreme cold or heat. Fibrous roots or long taproots are small, robust, freely- branched stems and well- developed fibrous root systems in mesophytic plants. Mesophytic plant leaves have a variety of leaf shapes but are usually smooth, small, relatively wide, and in color green. The waxy cuticle of the surface of the leaf protects the leaves during hot weather by retaining moisture and preventing rapid evaporation.