Compare the morphology adaptations,stomatal conductance and photosynthetic capacity between the small leaf camphor bush and olive tree in their natural habitat
Morphology Adaptations:
- Small Leaf Camphor Bush: The small leaf camphor bush (Tarchonanthus camphoratus) has small leaves with a surface area that is reduced relative to other plants. This adaptation is believed to reduce water loss through transpiration.
- Olive Tree: The olive tree (Olea europaea) has broad, leathery leaves that are adapted to withstand heat and drought. The leaves have a waxy cuticle that reduces water loss, and the arrangement of the leaves on the branches allows for some shade and reduced heat load.
Stomatal Conductance:
- Small Leaf Camphor Bush: The small leaf camphor bush has smaller stomata on the leaf surface, which reduces the size of the stomatal pores and consequently the rate at which water is lost through transpiration.
- Olive Tree: The olive tree has larger stomata compared to the small leaf camphor bush. Large stomata allow for increased gas exchange and higher rates of transpiration, which can be beneficial from a photosynthetic perspective but can also result in higher water loss.
Photosynthetic Capacity:
- Small Leaf Camphor Bush: The small leaf camphor bush has adapted to its natural habitat by having a relatively low photosynthetic capacity. This is partially due to the reduced leaf size and lower stomatal conductance, which limits the intake of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
- Olive Tree: The olive tree has a higher photosynthetic capacity compared to the small leaf camphor bush. Its larger leaves and higher stomatal conductance allow for increased carbon dioxide uptake and photosynthesis.
In summary, the small leaf camphor bush has adapted to reduce water loss and has a lower photosynthetic capacity, while the olive tree has adaptations to tolerate heat and drought, with a higher photosynthetic capacity.