Question

A botanist compares the number of stomata between two plants. One plant, a eucalyptus, has stomata equally distributed on both sides of the leaf. The other plant has most of its stomata on the underside of the leaf. What does the positioning of the stomata indicate about which leaf surfaces on the two plants receive light in their natural environment?

a. The first plant receives light only on the upper surface of the leaves whereas the leaves of the
second plant are equally exposed to sunlight.
b. The first plant receives light only on the lower surface whereas the second plant receives light
only on the upper surface.
c. The first plant receives light only on the upper surface whereas the second plant receives light only on the lower surface.
d. The first plant has leaves that are equally exposed to sunlight whereas the second plant receives light only on the upper surface.

Answer 1

Stomata distribution on eucalyptus leaves indicates equal exposure to sunlight, while the other plant with stomata mostly on the underside suggests adaptation to environments with sunlight on the upper surface, influencing transpiration and gas exchange.

Step-by-step explanation:

The positioning of stomata on plant leaves offers insights into the environmental light conditions that each plant is adapted to. In the case of a eucalyptus, with stomata distributed on both sides of its leaves, we can infer that the plant is adapted to an environment where leaves are equally exposed to sunlight, facilitating gas exchange on both sides. Conversely, the plant with stomata primarily on the underside is likely adapted to environments where the upper surface receives sunlight, and the placement of stomata helps minimize water loss through transpiration while allowing for gas exchange required for photosynthesis.