Most stomata are found on the undersides of leaves in terrestrial plants.
Stomata Location: A Closer Look
Stomata are tiny pores on the leaf surface that regulate gas exchange (carbon dioxide and oxygen) and water loss (transpiration). Their location is crucial for plant survival.
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Terrestrial Plants: The lower epidermis (underside) of leaves typically has a higher concentration of stomata than the upper epidermis. This arrangement minimizes water loss through transpiration. The sun directly hits the upper surface, leading to greater heat and evaporation; by keeping most stomata on the underside, plants can reduce water loss.
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Aquatic Plants: The situation differs in aquatic plants. Floating leaves often have stomata primarily on their upper surfaces, where they're exposed to the atmosphere. Submerged plants may lack stomata altogether as they absorb gases directly from the surrounding water.
This difference in stomatal distribution highlights the adaptability of plants to various environments.
Example:
Imagine a typical oak tree leaf. If you were to examine it closely under a microscope, you'd find significantly more stomata on the leaf's underside compared to its upper surface.
The provided reference supports this by stating: "Leaves of terrestrial plants generally have more stomata on their undersides." This underscores the common pattern in land-based plants.
