Which of the following best describes CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism)?

The correct response highlights that CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) is a carbon fixation pathway that has evolved in some plants as a specific adaptation to arid conditions. This metabolic process enables plants, particularly those in extremely dry environments, to efficiently manage water usage. In CAM plants, carbon dioxide is absorbed during the night when temperatures are cooler and humidity is typically higher, reducing water loss through transpiration. During the day, these plants close their stomata to conserve moisture and utilize the stored carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.

This adaptation allows CAM plants, such as succulents and certain members of the Crassulaceae family, to thrive in environments where water is scarce, as it minimizes water loss while still enabling photosynthesis to occur. Understanding this process is critical when studying plant adaptations to environmental stresses.