Which of the following factors is likely to increase the rate of transpiration in plants?
Answer Details
An increase in leaf surface area to volume ratio is likely to increase the rate of transpiration in plants. This is because transpiration occurs when water evaporates from the surface of leaves into the atmosphere through small pores called stomata. The larger the leaf surface area, the greater the number of stomata available for water to evaporate from, and the faster the rate of transpiration. Additionally, a smaller leaf volume relative to its surface area means that the water has to travel a shorter distance from the innermost cells to the stomata, which can also increase the rate of transpiration. Therefore, an increase in leaf surface area to volume ratio will result in an increase in the rate of transpiration in plants.