Mangrove plants growing in estuarine swamps face low oxygen availability in waterlogged soils. Which of the following morphological adaptations enables these plants to obtain atmospheric air for root respiration?
- Specialized breathing roots (pneumatophores) growing upward above the mudCevap
- BDeeply penetrating taproots for reaching underground water reservoirs
- CSunken stomata located exclusively on the upper leaf surfaces
- DBroad floating leaves with thick waxy cuticles on both sides
Cevap
Specialized breathing roots (pneumatophores) growing upward above the mud
Pneumatophores are specialized erect roots produced by mangrove plants (halophytes). Because the muddy soil in estuarine environments is waterlogged and severely depleted of dissolved oxygen, these roots grow upward against gravity into the air. Tiny pores called lenticels on their surfaces allow atmospheric oxygen to diffuse into the root tissues for respiration.
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Anahtar Kavram
Morphological Adaptations of Halophytes to Anaerobic Soils