# A cactus plant and a water lily are examples of plants adapted to very different environments. Compare the features of the waxy cuticle and stomata in a xerophyte and a hydrophyte, and explain how each feature is suited to the plant's environment.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 18.1 Variation · Compare · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Xerophytes have a thick waxy cuticle whereas hydrophytes have a thin or no waxy cuticle
2. The thick waxy cuticle in xerophytes prevents / reduces water loss (from the leaf surface)
3. Xerophytes have fewer stomata (which may be sunken) whereas hydrophytes have a large number of stomata positioned on the upper surface of the leaf
4. Fewer / sunken stomata in xerophytes reduces water vapour loss; many / open stomata in hydrophytes allows water vapour to diffuse out easily (promoting water loss)

## Key terms

- [xerophyte](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/xerophyte)
- [hydrophyte](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/hydrophyte)
- [waxy cuticle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/waxy-cuticle)
- [stomata](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/stomata)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-cactus-plant-and-a-water-bdba51da) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.