Question.
Give reasons, why tropical deciduous trees shed their leaves in the dry season.
( Chapter 6: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife, Class 7- Our Environment ( GEOGRAPHY), SOCIAL SCIENCE)
Answer.
Examples of tropical deciduous trees are Neem, Peepal, Sal, sandalwood, Arjun, Khair, Plas, etc. These trees shed their leaves in the dry season as an adaptation to cope with the challenges posed by the seasonal climate.
Tropical deciduous trees shed their leaves in the dry season because of the following reasons:
Water Conservation:
Shedding leaves reduces the surface area for transpiration, which is the process by which plants lose water vapor through tiny openings called stomata in their leaves. In the dry season, water can be scarce, so shedding leaves helps the tree conserve water and survive periods of drought.
Reduced Moisture Loss:
With fewer leaves, there is less exposed surface area from which moisture can be lost through evaporation. This helps the tree retain the limited moisture it has absorbed from the soil.
Minimization of Energy Expenditure:
Producing and maintaining leaves requires energy. By shedding leaves during the dry season when photosynthesis is less efficient due to limited water availability, the tree conserves energy for more critical processes.
Timing with Rainy Season:
The shedding time of tropical deciduous tree leaves often coincides with the onset of the rainy season. When rains return, the tree can quickly produce new leaves, taking advantage of the improved water availability for efficient photosynthesis.
This shedding of leaves in response to seasonal changes in rainfall and temperature is an effective survival strategy for tropical deciduous trees. It allows them to endure the challenges of prolonged dry periods and maximize their chances of thriving when conditions become more favorable.
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