Final answer:
Plants in dry ecosystems, or xerophytes, have adaptations like waxy cuticles and sunken stomata to minimize water loss, and some can store water or capture CO2 at night to use for photosynthesis during the day.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adaptations of Plants to Dry Ecosystems
An adaptation that helps plants retain water in dry ecosystems is crucial for their survival. Such plants, known as xerophytes, have evolved various mechanisms to manage water efficiently. For instance, succulents such as aloes and agaves have developed waxy cuticles with sunken stomata, which help to minimize water loss. Additionally, certain desert plants, like the saguaro cactus, employ strategies to store water in their fleshy stems, which serve both as organs of photosynthesis and water storage.
Moreover, these plants have adapted to capture and store CO2 during cooler nighttime temperatures when stomata can open with less water loss. During the day, they utilize the stored CO2 for photosynthesis while keeping their stomata closed to conserve water. These adaptations are crucial for plants to thrive in environments with limited water resources, such as deserts or living as epiphytes on other plants.