Match each plant adaptive feature on the left with its corresponding physiological or morphological mechanism for environmental survival on the right.
- Salt-secreting glands on leaf surfacesActive excretion of excess ionic solutes in hypertonic coastal or mangrove soils
- Stomata restricted to the upper epidermisDirect gaseous exchange with atmosphere while preventing submergence of stomatal pores
- Well-developed aerenchyma tissue in tissuesInternal gas transport to roots and provision of buoyancy in aquatic plants
- Leaves reduced to tiny scales with thick cuticlesReduction of overall surface area to minimize transpiration in arid habitats
Answer
The correct matches align each morphological structure with its functional role: Salt-secreting glands match active excretion of excess ionic solutes in saline soils; Stomata on upper epidermis match direct gaseous exchange in floating leaves; Aerenchyma tissue matches internal gas transport and buoyancy in aquatics; Reduced scale-like leaves match minimization of transpiration in arid habitats.
Each feature is paired with its exact ecological purpose: salt glands allow halophytes to survive high soil salinity by secreting salt; upper stomata enable floating hydrophytes to exchange gases without stomatal flooding; aerenchyma provides internal aeration in hypoxic aquatic soils; and reduced leaf surface area lowers transpirational water loss in xerophytes.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Morphological and Physiological Adaptations to Environments