In which type of environments do you typically find CAM plants?

CAM plants, or Crassulacean Acid Metabolism plants, are specifically adapted to thrive in dry and arid environments. This adaptation allows them to minimize water loss, which is crucial in habitats where moisture is scarce. CAM plants close their stomata during the day to reduce transpiration, capturing carbon dioxide at night when temperatures are cooler and humidity might be higher. This process enables them to efficiently use available water for photosynthesis while conserving it during the day when evaporation rates are typically higher.

In contrast, wet and humid environments provide ample water resources, making the CAM pathway less advantageous. Dense forests, which have a different microclimate and moisture availability, typically support plants with other photosynthetic pathways. Similarly, while sandy coastal areas might experience dry conditions, they often have more variation and could support a range of plant types beyond just CAM species. Thus, CAM plants are best adapted to survive and thrive in conditions where water conservation is paramount, making dry and arid environments their typical setting.