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Difficulty: HardMajor Vegetation Zones of Africa

Plants inhabiting the Mediterranean vegetation zone of Africa—located along the northernmost coast and in the southwestern Cape region—must survive prolonged summer drought conditions followed by mild, rainy winters. Which of the following sets of structural adaptations is characteristic of the sclerophyllous plants dominating this vegetation zone?

  1. Small, leathery leaves covered with thick waxy cuticles and sunken stomataAnswer
  2. B
    Broad, thin leaves equipped with drip tips and supported by extensive buttress roots
  3. C
    Fleshy stems with broad deciduous leaves that are shed completely during the winter rainy season
  4. D
    Tall softwood trunks with shallow spreading roots suited for continuous waterlogged soils

Answer

Small, leathery leaves covered with thick waxy cuticles and sunken stomata
The correct answer highlights sclerophyllous adaptations (meaning 'hard-leaved'). In the Mediterranean vegetation zone of northern Africa and the Cape Fynbos, plants have evolved small, leathery leaves with thick waxy cuticles and sunken stomata to prevent excessive water loss during the dry summer season.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the climatic characteristics of the Mediterranean vegetation zone in Africa
The Mediterranean climatic zone experiences hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters (Cs climate).
Vegetation adaptation depends directly on seasonal temperature and rainfall patterns.
2
Identify the key physiological challenges faced by plants in this environment
The primary threat to plant survival is intense desiccation and moisture loss during the summer drought.
Summer heat accelerates evapotranspiration when soil moisture is lowest.
3
Match the plant adaptations (sclerophyllous characteristics) that address summer desiccation
Sclerophyllous vegetation features small, hard, leathery leaves with thick waxy cuticles and sunken stomata to restrict transpiration.
These structural traits effectively lock in moisture while allowing minimal gas exchange.

Key Concept

Sclerophyllous Plant Adaptations in Mediterranean Africa
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Major Vegetation Zones of Africa

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