The photograph shows a water lily plant, which is a hydrophyte.
Which statement explains why the stomata are located on the upper surface of the leaf?
A) to allow carbon dioxide from the air to enter the leaf for use in photosynthesis
B) to allow carbon dioxide produced by photosynthesis to leave the leaf
C) to allow oxygen from the air to enter the leaf for use in photosynthesis
D) to allow oxygen from the water to enter the leaf for respiration
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Ans: A
Hydrophytes like water lilies have stomata on the upper surface of their leaves because their lower surface is submerged in water. This adaptation allows them to efficiently absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air for photosynthesis (A).
Options B, C, and D are incorrect because:
- CO₂ is not produced by photosynthesis (B).
- Oxygen enters leaves for respiration, not photosynthesis (C).
- Oxygen from water is absorbed through the submerged parts, not stomata (D).
Thus, the correct answer is A.
Which row shows the adaptive features of a xerophyte?
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Ans: A
Option A is correct because xerophytes (plants adapted to dry environments) have thick cuticles to reduce water loss and sunken stomata to minimize transpiration.
B describes a hydrophyte (aquatic plant), C refers to general leaf features, and D includes incorrect traits (broad leaves increase water loss). Thus, the correct adaptations for a xerophyte are shown in row A.