Biology 2012 JAMB Past Questions - Question 31: The presence of stilt roots, pneumatophores, sunken stomata and salt glands are adaptive features of plants found in the

Correct Answer

B

Explanation

Swamp is a lowland situated along the coast which is, regularly flooded by the seas, and rivers. It is a region of heavy and frequent rainfall. The white mangrove develops numerous breathing roots called pneumatophores and salt excreting glands in the upper epidermis of it's leaves in order to control the osmotic concentration of it's cells byexcreting excess salt absorbed by it's roots. The red mangrove develops stilt roots from the main stems and branches. Desert plants have sunken stomata to reduce rate of evaporation through the leaves. Tropical rainforest plants have buttress roots to carry body weight and thin cuticle in the leaves to allow loss of excess water. Grassland or savanna has mainly grasses with fibrous roots and leaves covered with thick cuticle to prevent loss water.