Mesophytes
The roots of mesophytic plants are for both anchorage of the plant providing structural support, and for the absorption of water and nutrients.
Generally, mesophytic roots are fully developed and penetrate deep into the ground as the soil in mesophytic environments are generally moist. The stage of how developed the root systems are for different plants differ based on their environment, water balance and water availability.
Generally, mesophytic roots are fully developed and penetrate deep into the ground as the soil in mesophytic environments are generally moist. The stage of how developed the root systems are for different plants differ based on their environment, water balance and water availability.
Mesophytic plants need roots for anchorage and structural support as they are exposed diverse weather conditions, having to be able to withstand harsh winds and rains. The soil is also the only source of water and nutrients for the plant therefore the roots needs to be embedded deep in this soil. These roots are covered with thin small root hairs that greatly increases the SA:V ratio of the roots making the movement of water and minerals via osmosis much more efficient.
A behavioral adaptation of the root system in mesophytes is that mesophytes usually germinate in spring and start growing their roots when there are frequent rainfalls and the surface of the soil stays moist meaning that shallow root systems are not an issue. By summer where there are less frequent rainfalls, the more developed soils can penetrate the top layers of soil that are dry, to reach the deeper layers where it is still moist as mesophytic environments are not exposed to harsh sunlights. New mesophytes with shallow root systems will die in summer as they are unable to reach the deeper layers of soil where all the moisture is trapped. Older mesophytes like Oak trees have extensive root systems that can penetrate several metres deep into the ground taking advantage of the moist soil underneath. (OnlineBiology, 2015) (SterlingTracy, 2015) |
As water is constantly lost via transpiration and mesophytes don’t have storage spaces for water or is surrounded by water, it must develop an extensive root system to supply the plant with enough water at all times. (MooreMelissa, 2015) (Pearson, 2015) (PeoleStereotypical, 2015)
If mesophytic plants were to have less developed root system like hydrophytes, it will not be able to support the plant by itself making the plant collapse. The shallow root system also means that it won’t be able to penetrate the deeper layers of the soil to absorb water and nutrients from the soil making the plant wilt due to lack of water and die as it wouldn’t be able to carry out its life processes like photosynthesis and respiration which needs water and minerals.
If mesophytic plants were to have less developed root system like hydrophytes, it will not be able to support the plant by itself making the plant collapse. The shallow root system also means that it won’t be able to penetrate the deeper layers of the soil to absorb water and nutrients from the soil making the plant wilt due to lack of water and die as it wouldn’t be able to carry out its life processes like photosynthesis and respiration which needs water and minerals.