Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) is a specialist species adapted to survive in the harsh, dry, and unstable environment of coastal sand dunes. It has tightly rolled leaves with hairs on the inner surface, an extensive network of horizontal rhizomes and deep vertical roots, and tough leaves containing high concentrations of silica.
Explain how having tightly rolled leaves with hairs on the inner surface helps marram grass reduce water loss.
Suggest how having an extensive network of horizontal rhizomes and deep vertical roots helps marram grass survive in shifting coastal sand dunes.
Other than reducing water loss, suggest one advantage to marram grass of having tough leaves that contain high concentrations of silica.
31 exam-style questions on Edexcel IGCSE Biology The organism in the environment. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.