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Describe an example of a plant with leaves that are adapted to cold temperatures.

a) Banana plant
b) Fern
c) Pine tree
d) Cactus

User Sigma
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The pine tree is an example of a plant adapted to cold with its needle-shaped leaves and sunken stomata which reduce water loss and a waxy cuticle providing additional protection.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of a plant with leaves that are adapted to cold temperatures is the pine tree. Pine trees are conifers and have needle-shaped leaves with sunken stomata, which are adaptations that help reduce water loss. The needle shape provides a low surface-to-volume ratio, which is beneficial in cold climates because it minimizes the amount of water that is lost to the air. In addition, these leaves often have a thick, waxy cuticle that provides further protection against the harsh, cold conditions. This is crucial for survival in environments where water may be frozen and thus unavailable to the plant for much of the year. Unlike plants with broad leaves, which may not withstand cold, icy winds and heavy snowfall, the narrow needles of pine trees are also less likely to accumulate snow, which can damage or break larger leaves.

User Tropilio
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