Plants have developed various adaptations to survive in arid climates, such as:
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Reduced Leaf Size: Some plants have smaller leaves to reduce water loss through transpiration.
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Thick Cuticle: Plants in arid climates have a thick waxy cuticle on their leaves to prevent water loss.
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Deep Root Systems: Many desert plants have deep root systems that extend far into the ground to reach water sources deep underground.
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CAM Photosynthesis: Some plants, like succulents, use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis to open their stomata at night when it's cooler to reduce water loss during the day.
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Succulence: Succulent plants store water in their fleshy stems or leaves to survive long periods of drought.
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Hairy or Spiky Surfaces: Some plants have hairy or spiky surfaces to create a microclimate that reduces water loss through transpiration.
These adaptations help plants thrive in arid climates by conserving water and efficiently utilizing available resources.