Final answer:
Plants close their stomata during hot, dry days to conserve water and minimize transpiration. The closure of stomata reduces the availability of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, slowing down the rate of photosynthesis. However, plants have evolved adaptations to capture and store carbon dioxide for photosynthesis during times when stomata are closed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plants close their stomata during hot, dry days to conserve water. Stomata are the small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for the exchange of gases, including the intake of carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis. However, when stomata are open, water vapor is lost to the external environment through transpiration. By closing their stomata, plants reduce water loss and conserve their limited water resources.
While closing stomata conserves water, it also has an impact on photosynthesis. Since carbon dioxide is a necessary component for photosynthesis, the closure of stomata reduces the availability of carbon dioxide for plants. This decrease in carbon dioxide can slow down the rate of photosynthesis. However, plants have evolved mechanisms to adapt to this situation, such as capturing and storing carbon dioxide during the night when temperatures are cooler, and using the stored carbon dioxide for photosynthesis during the day when stomata are closed.