Question

Which of the following is an adaptation most likely observed in plants growing along Aransas Bay near the Gulf of Mexico in the San Antonio-Nueces Coastal Basin?

A) Salt tolerance to survive in saline conditions.
B) Drought resistance for water conservation.
C) Adaptation to cold temperatures for frost protection.
D) Ability to thrive in high-altitude environments.

Answer 1

Plants in Aransas Bay are likely to exhibit salt tolerance due to the saline conditions of their estuarine environment, with halophytes evolving specialized adaptations to manage salinity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The adaptation most likely observed in plants growing along Aransas Bay near the Gulf of Mexico in the San Antonio-Nueces Coastal Basin is salt tolerance to survive in saline conditions. The short-term and rapid variation in salinity from the mixing of fresh water and salt water presents a physiological challenge for the plants in estuaries. Halophytic plants, which are species that can tolerate salty conditions, have evolved various mechanisms like filters in their roots to remove the salt or the ability to pump oxygen into their roots to deal with the salinity caused by saltwater on their roots or sea spray.