How does the energy need of plants compare to those of animals, and how does this influence their transport systems?

Plants have lower energy needs compared to animals as they do not engage in activities like movement. Plants derive energy through photosynthesis, which is a relatively low-energy process. This influences their transport systems by allowing for slower and less energy-intensive mechanisms. The plant’s vascular system, consisting of xylem and phloem, efficiently transports water, minerals, and nutrients with a slower pace suited to their energy requirements. In contrast, animals, with higher energy demands for activities like locomotion and thermoregulation, have more complex and faster circulatory systems, such as a four-chambered heart in mammals, to meet their greater metabolic needs.