Final answer:
C-4 plants store CO2 as oxaloacetate, thrive in hot, dry climates, and have a higher photosynthetic rate than C-3 plants. Therefore, all given choices are correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
C-4 plants have developed specialized adaptations that make them more suited to hot, dry climates. These plants are capable of storing carbon dioxide temporarily as oxaloacetate, which is significant in preventing water loss and allowing photosynthesis to continue despite harsh conditions. This adaptation exemplifies a photosynthetic pathway known as the C4 pathway.
Due to their specialized photosynthetic mechanism, C-4 plants typically have a net photosynthetic rate that is two to three times that of C-3 plants. This is achieved by utilizing PEP carboxylase to concentrate CO2 in the bundle sheath cells of their leaves, making photosynthesis more efficient and minimizes water loss in hot and dry environments.
In conclusion, the correct answer to the student's question is D. All of the choices are correct: C-4 plants (A) store carbon dioxide temporarily as oxaloacetate, (B) are found in hot dry climates, and (C) have a net photosynthetic rate two to three times that of C-3 plants.