A plant with stomata present only on the top of its leaves would be best suited to which environment?
If they want sun on the top, they want a low latitude where the sun is overhead a lot, like in the tropics.
To determine the best environment for a plant with stomata present only on the top of its leaves, we need to consider the function and role of stomata in a plant's life. Stomata are tiny openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange, specifically the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) for photosynthesis and the release of oxygen (O2) and water vapor (H2O) through transpiration.
Plants with stomata present only on the top of their leaves are called epistomatous plants. They have adapted to specific environmental conditions where minimizing water loss through transpiration is crucial. Stomata primarily facilitate gas exchange but also result in water loss. By having stomata on the top surface of the leaves, these plants are better able to control and reduce water loss compared to plants with stomata on both leaf surfaces.
Based on this information, a plant with stomata present only on the top of its leaves would be best suited to an environment with specific characteristics:
1. High-intensity light: Having stomata on the top surface allows the plant to efficiently capture and utilize sunlight for photosynthesis.
2. Dry or arid conditions: As these plants have evolved to minimize water loss, they are often found in environments where water availability is limited. By having stomata only on the upper surface, they reduce transpiration and conserve water.
3. Hot or high-temperature environments: Similarly, these plants can thrive in environments with high temperatures, as the reduced stomatal density on the leaf bottom minimizes water loss and helps regulate temperature.
Examples of such environments where epistomatous plants may be found include deserts, grasslands, and open sunny areas.
In summary, a plant with stomata present only on the top of its leaves is best suited to an environment with high-intensity light, dry or arid conditions, and hot or high-temperature environments.