Final answer:
Marram grass has four main modifications that help it survive in coastal sand dunes: long, narrow leaves, dense rhizomes, waxy cuticle, and rolling leaf margins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marram grass, also known as Ammophila arenaria, is a type of grass that is commonly found in coastal areas with sand dunes. It has several adaptations that help it survive in this unique environment. The four main modifications of marram grass are:
- Long, narrow leaves: Marram grass has long and narrow leaves that help reduce water loss and allow it to survive in dry and sandy conditions.
- Dense, fibrous rhizomes: It has an extensive network of underground stems called rhizomes, which help stabilize the sand dunes and prevent erosion.
- Waxy cuticle: The leaves of marram grass have a waxy cuticle that reduces water loss through evaporation.
- Rolling leaf margins: The edges of the leaves are rolled inward, which helps to trap moisture and create a microclimate within the plant.