Final answer:
At temperatures of 28°C to 29°C, plants might experience reduced transpiration and photosynthesis rates due to the closure of stomata to conserve water. Rising respiration rates could exceed photosynthesis, limiting energy for growth. Adapted plants could face challenges with the impacts of climate change on their habitual temperatures and water availability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of extreme weather on plants at temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius can be significant. Frost damage, which occurs at temperatures of 28.0°F (-2.2°C) or lower, is not a concern at these higher temperatures; however, other stresses may be present. Plants have evolved to adapt to a range of temperatures, and while some can tolerate temperatures above 40°C, temperatures in the 28°C-29°C range can still impact plant physiology.
For instance, transpiration rates may begin to level off and even decline at temperatures higher than 27°C. This is due to the plant closing its stomata to conserve water, leading to reduced gas exchange and potentially affecting photosynthesis. This response can help prevent excessive water loss, but it may also reduce the plant's ability to produce food through photosynthesis.
Furthermore, as temperatures rise within the 25-35°C range, respiration rates in plants may increase faster than photosynthesis rates. This means that plants are 'eating' their food more rapidly than they can produce it, which can lead to reduced growth as the available energy for new growth is consumed more quickly. Additionally, plants adapted to specific climate conditions, such as those in tropical wet forests, may struggle with the physiological and ecological impacts of climate change, including changes in temperature and precipitation patterns.