Question

\(\mathrm{C}_{4}\) plants are adapted to (a) Hot and dry climate (b) Temperate climate (c) Cold and dry climate (d) Hot and humid climate

Short answer

(a) Hot and dry climate

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the context

C4 plants have developed a special mechanism for photosynthesis, allowing them to efficiently capture carbon dioxide (CO2) in low CO2 conditions. This mechanism also allows them to minimize water loss in their surroundings.

Matching adaptation to climate

Now, refer back to the question. Your task is to match the adaptation of C4 plants to the given climates. Remember, these plants are well suited to environments where CO2 levels can be low, and they can minimize water loss.

Making the final choice

Given these details, it can be deduced that C4 plants would be best adapted to a hot and dry climate. This is because, in such a climate, carbon dioxide levels are generally lower and there is a severe need for minimizing water loss.

Key concepts

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a fantastic process that turns light energy into chemical energy in plants. It's the way plants make their own food by using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. C4 plants have an extra special way of doing photosynthesis called the C4 pathway. This process is more efficient because it helps them capture carbon dioxide more effectively. Let's break it down: - **Light Reaction**: Plants absorb sunlight through chlorophyll, which splits water molecules. This releases oxygen and transfers energy. - **Dark Reaction** (Calvin Cycle): This is where carbon dioxide is captured to make glucose, a type of sugar that plants use for energy. - In C4 plants, this process is supercharged. They use a different technique for capturing carbon dioxide. This special handling allows them to thrive even when carbon dioxide is scarce. The key advantage is less energy wasted, resulting in better growth in challenging environments.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a gas that's vital for the photosynthesis process. It's part of the air we breathe and is one of the main ingredients that plants use to make their food. Here's how CO2 fits in: - **Absorption**: Plants take in carbon dioxide through small openings in their leaves called stomata. - **Conversion**: In C4 plants, carbon dioxide is first captured in a four-carbon compound, unlike the three-carbon compound capture in most other plants. - **Benefits for C4 Plants**: This different pathway allows C4 plants to efficiently fix carbon dioxide even when it is sparse, which is common in hot and dry climates. By better managing carbon dioxide, C4 plants get an advantage in environments where other plants might fail.

Climate Adaptation

Climate adaptation refers to how plants change or have evolved to handle different climates, enabling them to survive and thrive. C4 plants are experts at this. They have specific features that allow them to stand strong even when the world around them gets tough. Key adaptations include: - **Efficient Photosynthesis**: In hot and dry climates, the air is often low in CO2. C4 plants have adapted to capture carbon more efficiently. - **Water Conservation**: These plants are champs at saving water. Their unique structure allows them to keep stomata closed more often, reducing water loss. These adaptations make C4 plants specialists for hot and dry regions, allowing them to grow where others might struggle. They turn these challenging climates into opportunities for growth and sustainability.