If a plant leaf has fewer stomata, how would this affect its ability to retain water, especially in dry conditions?

• A. The leaf would retain more water because fewer stomata reduce water loss through transpiration.
• B. The number of stomata does not affect water retention in leaves.
• C. The leaf would retain less water because fewer stomata allow more water to escape.
• D. The leaf would lose more water because fewer stomata increase transpiration.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of stomata: Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange, including the release of water vapor during transpiration. Fewer stomata generally reduce the rate of transpiration.
2. Consider the relationship between stomata and water retention: If a plant has fewer stomata, it will likely lose less water through transpiration, which helps the plant retain water, especially in dry conditions.
3. Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each answer choice based on the biological function of stomata. For example, fewer stomata reducing water loss aligns with the concept of reduced transpiration.
4. Eliminate incorrect answers: Discard options that contradict the biological role of stomata, such as 'fewer stomata allow more water to escape' or 'fewer stomata increase transpiration,' as these are not supported by scientific evidence.
5. Select the correct answer: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is 'The leaf would retain more water because fewer stomata reduce water loss through transpiration.' This aligns with the biological principle of reduced water loss in plants with fewer stomata.