Mesophytes

Definition of Mesophytes

Land plants that are adapted to the moderate water and temperature conditions
Examples: Grass, Corn, Clover, Field crops, Goldenrod.

Mesophytes are unlike hydrophytes that require plenty water and xerophytes that can survive in dry climate
Mesophytes are the terrestrial plants or the land plants that can survive in neither too dry nor too wet conditions
The mesophytes have well adapted morphology and physiology to suit the water requirements according to the availability
They usually require a continuous supply of water
They grow in a moderate climate with regards to the temperature and moisture conditions
The stem is rigid and stout
The root system is well developed with long tap root in dicots and fibrous rootin monocots
They are less tolerant to drought and lose water rapidly
The leaves are usually broad, thin, large, dark green in colour and of various shapes. They do not have waxy coating
During hot temperatures, they can open the stomata and let the water evaporate to overcome the temperature stress
They do not have specific mechanisms as in the xerophytes, , i.e they lack the xeromorphic charteristics

1) The plants that are growing in soil containing sufficient amount of water are called ____.

a) Xerophytes
b) Hydrophytes
c) Halophytes
d) Mesophytes

Solution: (d) Mesophytes require moderate supply of water.

2) Mesophytes have developed xeromorphic characteristics.

a) True
b) False

Solution: (b) Mesophytes do not have xermorphic characteristics, and hence they become dry and die in drought conditions.

3) Which among the following is an example of a Mesophyte?

a) Aloe vera
b) Clover
c) Water lily
d) Cactus

Solution: (b) Clover is a Mesophyte