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Difficulty: EasyMorphological and Physiological Adaptations to Environments

Submersed aquatic plants (hydrophytes) typically possess a thick waxy cuticle on their leaf surfaces to minimize transpiration.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is False. Submersed hydrophytes do not face water loss through transpiration and therefore feature thin or absent cuticles, allowing direct absorption of dissolved gases and mineral nutrients from the surrounding water.
The statement is false because submersed hydrophytes do not suffer from water stress or transpiration loss. Instead of possessing a thick waxy cuticle, their leaves have a thin, highly permeable epidermis that allows oxygen, carbon dioxide, and mineral nutrients to diffuse directly into plant tissues.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary biological function of a thick waxy cuticle.
A thick waxy cuticle acts as a waterproof barrier to reduce transpiration and prevent desiccation in terrestrial plants.
Understanding the function of a structural feature is necessary to evaluate its role in specific environments.
2
Examine the environmental requirements of submersed hydrophytes.
Submersed hydrophytes are continually immersed in water, meaning desiccation is not a threat and transpiration does not occur.
Environmental factors determine whether a anatomical trait is beneficial or disadvantageous.
3
Determine the structural trait present in submersed aquatic leaves.
Because a thick cuticle would block nutrient uptake and gaseous exchange underwater, submersed leaves have a reduced or absent cuticle, rendering the statement false.
Direct diffusion across epidermal cells is essential for aquatic plant physiology.

Key Concept

Morphological adaptations of hydrophytes to aquatic environments
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Morphological and Physiological Adaptations to Environments

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