Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) is a specialist pioneer species adapted to survive in the harsh, dry, and unstable environment of coastal sand dunes. It has tightly rolled leaves with stomata sunken in pits on the inner surface, a thick waxy cuticle on the outer epidermis, and an extensive network of horizontal rhizomes and deep roots.
Explain how having tightly rolled leaves with a thick waxy cuticle on the outer epidermis helps marram grass reduce water loss.
Suggest how having an extensive network of horizontal rhizomes and deep roots helps marram grass survive in shifting sand dune environments.
Other than reducing water loss, suggest one advantage to marram grass of accumulating high concentrations of silica in its leaf tissues.