Root Adaptations
All three types of plants have a different way of growing and using their roots. Mesophytes use their roots to anchor into the ground (e.g. an oak tree) as well as to soak up water to take to the leaves and use for photosynthesis. Mesophytes grow their roots shallow or deep depending on how much support they need, as water searching for water is not an issue like it is for xerophytes. Mesophytes may change their root system depending on the environment they are living in which is a physiological adaptation. For example, an environment where a mesophyte that usually might spread its roots out quite wide might have to grow them deeper because its surrounding plants are also growing their roots there.
Xerophytes tend to have well established root systems so that there is more surface area for water to enter in. It is important for xerophytes to have a root system that allows them to soak up plenty of water as it is vital for the plant to survive, in processes such as photosynthesis. Some xerophytes grow their roots shallow so that they can catch any water that may fall, whereas some xerophytes grow them deep into the ground to soak up the underground water that may be present. Lastly, some hydrophytes don't have root systems because they can soak water in directly from almost anywhere in the plant. It is not necessary for some hydrophytes to use energy to grow an extensive root system; instead they grow big flat leaves which help with diffusion of gasses out of the plant. Other hydrophytes such as mangroves, who grow in currents and tides need to have well developed root systems as they need to have structure and support in the waves and tide.
Xerophytes tend to have well established root systems so that there is more surface area for water to enter in. It is important for xerophytes to have a root system that allows them to soak up plenty of water as it is vital for the plant to survive, in processes such as photosynthesis. Some xerophytes grow their roots shallow so that they can catch any water that may fall, whereas some xerophytes grow them deep into the ground to soak up the underground water that may be present. Lastly, some hydrophytes don't have root systems because they can soak water in directly from almost anywhere in the plant. It is not necessary for some hydrophytes to use energy to grow an extensive root system; instead they grow big flat leaves which help with diffusion of gasses out of the plant. Other hydrophytes such as mangroves, who grow in currents and tides need to have well developed root systems as they need to have structure and support in the waves and tide.