Leaf Report

1.

Figure 1: Stomate Density as a function of time in eucalypts (Eucalyptus pilularis)

2. The class data shows a decreasing relationship between time and stomate density in the Eucalyptus
tree. Changes in stomata density in plants is a direct result of selective pressures acting upon the plant,
temperature rises and an increase in CO2 levels require plants to adaptively reduce stomate density to
negate water loss and excess CO2 absorption.

3. The trees used the experiment Eucalyptus pilularis show a decrease in stomata density, as parts of
Australia become hotter and drier the decrease in stomate numbers will allow for a reduction in water
loss due to heat, the decrease in stomatal numbers will also aid in the retention of water in dry climates.
The plants we observed would perform better in a hot and dry climate, the Eucalyptus pilularis displays
an adaptive stomatal density suited