How Do Plants Reduce Water Loss

Plants lose water through transpiration, which happens through stomatal openings. To survive in hot and dry conditions, plants have developed various adaptations to reduce water loss.

Adaptations to Reduce Water Loss

The surface area of leaves is sometimes reduced to spines.

The thick cuticle on leaves reduces water loss.

Some plants have stomata only on the lower side, while others have sunken stomata in order to reduce water loss.

Succulent plants store water in order to endure dry weather.

**The physiological mechanism to reduce water loss, known as “Crassulacean Acid Metabolism” (or CAM), is a special mechanism of photosynthesis in plants inhabiting arid regions. CAM Plants have stomata that remain closed during the day and open at night, allowing them to absorb carbon dioxide and store it during the night, while performing the C3 cycle during the day. Examples of CAM plants include orchids, agave, cacti, and some xerophytic and aquatic plants.

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