Match the plant to a useful physiological adaptation: a. cactus - development of a large air cavity b. pineapple - alterations in the timing of co2 collection and photosynthesis c. orchid - development of a thin skin cuticle d. aloe - development of a small root system

The correct answer is B. pineapple -alteration in timing of CO₂ collection and photosynthesis.

The pineapple plant follows Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). CAM is a unique photosynthetic pathway occurs in xerophytes. In plants like pineapple stomata open during night. This is an adaptation which allows the pineapple plant to conserve water. At night, when the stomata open, it fixes carbon dioxide and store as malic acid. During the day when the stomata are closed and the plant carry out photosynthesis using malic acid as a source of carbon dioxide.  

Ans.

Physiological adaptations are defined as internal responses to environmental stimuli that help the organisms to maintain homeostasis.

Pineapple plant is a xerophytic plant that can survive in drought conditions. For this, pineapple plant shows a special photosynthetic pathway, known as CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism).

These plants open their stomata during night to collect CO2 during night, and close them during day to prevent water loss. Thus, option (B) pineapple correctly matches with alterations in the timing of CO2.