Chapter 28, Problem 34A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The adaptations that helped the plants survive on land.

Introduction:

Plants are very important to our survival. We breathe air, the food we eat, and many items that make our lives comfortable, such as furniture, clothes, etc., come from the plants. Plants that inhabited land have developed adaptations that have allowed them to withstand limited water supplies and other environmental factors.

Explanation of Solution

The adaptation present on most of the above ground plant parts is a fatty coating called the cuticle on the outer surface of the cells. Wax may also be a cuticle part, giving it a grayish appearance. The cuticle helps avoid the evaporation of water from plant tissues and can serve as a barrier to invasive microorganisms. Stomata are adaptations that enable the exchange of gases even with the presence of a cuticle. Stomata are adaptations that make it possible to exchange gases, even in the presence of cuticle on plant. Stomata are the openings of the external cell layer of the leaves and some of the roots. Vascular tissues are another adaptation of the soil environment. There are special transport tissues. They will also provide support and structure to the plants. Additional support is provided by the presence of thick cell walls in some vascular tissue. Some soil plants reproduce by spores with waterproof protective coverings. The evolution of the seed was another significant adaptation that helped to ensure the survival of certain vascular plants.

Conclusion

Thus, the adaptation of seed, vascular tissues, stomata, cuticle, etc. can help the land plants to survive.