CAIE IGCSE Biology 18.2.3 Hydrophyte & Xerophyte Adaptations
Practise explaining how hydrophyte and xerophyte structures suit aquatic or water-limited environments.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Biology 0610
Practise explaining how hydrophyte and xerophyte structures suit aquatic or water-limited environments.
Fig. 3.3 is a photomicrograph of a cross-section of part of a xerophyte leaf.

Fig. 3.3
Describe one way the leaves of xerophytes are adapted to their environment.
any one from:
thick (waxy) cuticles ;
small (leaves) / small surface area / needle-like / AW ;
rolled / curled (leaves) ;
(leaves reduced to / leaves are) spines / spikes ;
hairs ;
fleshy / swollen ;
few stomata ;
sunken stomata / stomata in grooves ;
Describe one way the roots of xerophytes are adapted to their environment.
deep / long shallow / widespread / spreading / roots cover a wide area ;