The evolution of cuticle presented plants with a challenge that threatened their ability to live on land. Describe this challenge, and explain why stomata represent a solution. Compare and contrast stomata with the pores found in liverworts.

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1. Identify the challenge: The evolution of the cuticle, a waxy layer on the surface of plants, helped prevent water loss but also restricted gas exchange, which is essential for photosynthesis and respiration.
2. Explain the solution: Stomata are specialized structures that can open and close to regulate gas exchange. When open, they allow carbon dioxide to enter for photosynthesis and oxygen and water vapor to exit.
3. Describe stomata structure: Stomata are composed of two guard cells that change shape to open or close the pore. This regulation helps maintain water balance while allowing necessary gas exchange.
4. Compare with liverwort pores: Liverworts, which are non-vascular plants, have simple pores that are always open, providing no control over water loss, unlike the regulated openings of stomata in more advanced plants.
5. Contrast effectiveness: Stomata provide an evolutionary advantage by allowing plants to inhabit a wider range of environments due to their ability to control water loss and still facilitate gas exchange, unlike the constant open state of liverwort pores.