[Campbell Biology P.667] The 'Study Tip' mentions the cuticle as an adaptation for life on l... | Practice Question

The 'Study Tip' mentions the cuticle as an adaptation for life on land, describing it as a 'Waxy covering on outer body surface' that 'Reduces dessication.' If an early land plant lineage failed to develop an effective cuticle, what would be the most likely consequence?

  • A: It would experience enhanced photosynthesis due to better light absorption.
  • B: It would be highly susceptible to water loss and desiccation in terrestrial environments.
  • C: Its reproductive structures would fail to develop properly.
  • D: It would struggle to anchor itself securely to the soil.

Explanation

The 'Study Tip' explicitly states that the cuticle 'Reduces dessication.' Therefore, without an effective cuticle, an early land plant would be highly vulnerable to drying out in a terrestrial environment, where water is less readily available than in aquatic habitats.