BRAINCAKEWind and Water Currents
Wind affects organisms on land in several ways:
• Water loss. Wind blows away the layer of moist air next to leaves, increasing the water potential gradient, so the rate of transpiration increases. Plants in exposed, windy places such as coasts and mountains often have xerophytic features, such as small leaves or hairs that trap still air.
• Cooling. Wind increases heat loss by convection and evaporation (wind chill), which is a problem especially for small animals.
• Physical damage. Strong winds break branches and uproot trees. Trees on exposed coasts and hills are often stunted and bent away from the prevailing wind.
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Key terms in this lesson
- xerophyte
- A plant adapted to survive in dry conditions, for example with a thick cuticle, rolled leaves or sunken stomata.
More in The Nature of Ecosystems
- Secondary Succession
- Case Study: Sand Dune Succession
- Light
- Temperature
- Water Availability
- Oxygen Availability
- Edaphic Factors
- Predation
All 39 lessons in The Nature of Ecosystems · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics