What does the cuticle do? What do stomata do? Predict how the thickness of the cuticle and the number of stomata differ in plants from wet habitats versus dry habitats.

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1. The cuticle is a waxy, protective layer that covers the epidermis of plants, primarily leaves and stems. It helps prevent water loss by evaporation and provides a barrier against pathogens.
2. Stomata are small openings usually found on the underside of plant leaves that allow for gas exchange. They enable the intake of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen during photosynthesis, and also facilitate the release of water vapor (transpiration).
3. In plants from wet habitats, the cuticle is generally thinner because there is less need to conserve water. These plants often have more stomata, or larger stomata, to maximize gas exchange in an environment where water is plentiful.
4. Conversely, plants from dry habitats typically have a thicker cuticle to reduce water loss and protect against harsh conditions. They tend to have fewer stomata, or smaller stomata, to minimize water loss through transpiration.
5. These adaptations in cuticle thickness and stomata number and size are crucial for plant survival in their respective environments, balancing the need for gas exchange with the necessity to conserve water.