Water status and evolutionary adaptation in high-mountain plants of the Dauria region

Water content, water-retaining capacity, and depression of water potential were compared for leaves of 27 plant species growing at various altitudinal belts. Relationships were analyzed between water relations in plants, ecological conditions of the species area, and climatic conditions during the evolution of species. Three types of water relations were revealed. The conclusion was drawn that two opposite strategies of evolutionary adaptation were realized: some plant species contain abundant moisture in tissues due to a high water-retaining capacity, whereas other species are able to tolerate substantial dehydration.