Final answer:
CAM plants have evolved a specialized photosynthetic pathway that allows them to fix CO2 at night, storing it as malic acid to be used during the day. This enables them to thrive in hot, arid environments by conserving water and coping with low daytime CO2 solubility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adaptation of CAM Plants to High Temperatures
Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants exhibit a unique adaptation to thrive in arid and hot environments. Despite high temperatures reducing CO2 solubility in water, CAM plants have developed a specialized photosynthetic pathway which allows them to excel under these conditions. They open their stomata at night to fix CO2 when the temperatures are cooler and the humidity is higher, leading to reduced water loss. The fixed CO2 is stored as malic acid in vacuoles, then during the day, when stomata are closed to conserve water, the stored CO2 is released for use in the Calvin Cycle. This adaptation allows them to minimize water loss during the hot daytime by keeping their stomata closed, while still maintaining the ability to photosynthesize and grow.
CAM photosynthesis is an evolutionary adaptation that enables plants to survive in extreme temperature conditions where water is scarce. While high temperatures typically decrease gas solubility, leading to a reduction in the availability of CO2 for photosynthesis, CAM plants sidestep this issue by fixing and storing CO2 at night. This biochemical flexibility contributes to their success in harsh environments and is a testament to the diverse adaptations found within the plant kingdom.