How do CAM plants survive the intense desert heat and drought?

• A. By having deep root systems to access underground water
• B. By storing water in their leaves and stems
• C. By opening their stomata at night to minimize water loss
• D. By using C3 photosynthesis to efficiently capture carbon dioxide

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. CAM plants have adapted to survive in arid environments by modifying their photosynthetic process.
2. During the day, CAM plants keep their stomata closed to prevent water loss due to evaporation in the intense heat.
3. At night, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher, CAM plants open their stomata to take in carbon dioxide.
4. The carbon dioxide absorbed at night is stored as malate in vacuoles until daylight.
5. During the day, the stored malate is converted back to carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, allowing CAM plants to minimize water loss while still performing photosynthesis.