What are hydrophytes?
Plants adapted to living in water or waterlogged conditions.
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Biology 0970 (Extended) (2026–2028) · 18.2
Revise Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Biology 0970 (Extended) (2026–2028) specification point 18.2, Adaptive features, with free active-recall flashcards. Flip through the set or review every question and answer below.
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What are hydrophytes?
Plants adapted to living in water or waterlogged conditions.
What challenges shape hydrophyte features more than preventing water loss?
Obtaining gases and functioning while surrounded by water.
What two functions can air spaces in hydrophyte tissues serve?
They aid buoyancy and allow gases to move to submerged parts.
Where may stomata be found on floating leaves, and why?
On the upper surface, where they are exposed to air for gas exchange.
How can the cuticle of submerged plant parts aid gas exchange?
A thin or absent waxy cuticle allows gases to diffuse across their surfaces.
What is a xerophyte?
A plant adapted to an environment where water is scarce.
How does a thick waxy cuticle benefit a xerophyte?
It reduces evaporation from leaf surfaces.
How does reduced leaf area benefit a xerophyte?
It can reduce water loss through transpiration.
How do sunken stomata benefit a xerophyte?
They can reduce water loss through transpiration.
How do some xerophytes store water?
In fleshy tissues.
How does an extensive root system benefit a xerophyte?
It helps the plant obtain water from the surrounding soil.