Question

Define heliophytes and Sciophytes. Name a plant from your locality that is either heliophyte or Sciophyte.

Answer 1

Hint: Heliophytes are plants which are being adapted to grow under sufficient amount of sunlight, those plants are termed as heliophytes. Example- the big trees like- banyan, mango, peepal. They form the roof of the forest. Meanwhile, Sciophyte plants are opposite to the heliophyte which adapt to live under low light conditions. Examples can be some herbs.

Complete answer:
Sunstroke plants or called sun-loving plants have an adaptation to high intensity of light. They construct themselves in intensive light conditions as their metabolism requires high sunlight to grow. The plants have special features like- tiny leaves with waxy protection against excessive light radiation and also hairy structures to prevent from higher amounts of water loss.
Heliophytes or solar plants examples occur- mullein, thyme, white clover and roses. Mostly they are located in open terrain, rocks, meadows and mountain pastures and grasslands where they can have longer duration and sufficient exposures.
The chloroplasts present in sun-stroke plants are rich in enzymes and carotenoid which prevent the plants from getting infected. There are also green shoots and stomatal apparatus for gaseous exchange in leaves.
Sciophytes are dark-loving plants which endure the light and thrive more in low light intensity. Unlike the heliophytes, they have bigger photosynthetic units than the heliophytes. The shade loving plants follow the conservation of energy and they have special adaptations like- thinner leaves, high chlorophyll content and less epidermal cells.
The plants which are found in the locality both heliophytes and Sciophytes are- Thyme, sunflower and Lycopodium. The shade tolerant plants can be found in various nurseries and used in landscaping and horticulture.

Note:
Plants which have adaptations to sunlight have systemic changes to molecular level. Examples- plants show leaf movements according to the intensity of sunlight. There are three types of movement identified- developmental, passive and active. Also, similar movements like- chloroplast movement and photosystem modulation are some characteristics plants show to the light intensity.