Question

Read the following statements about adaptations in desert plants and select the correct ones.
(i) They have a thick cuticle on their leaf surfaces.
(ii) They have stomata present in deep sunken pits.
(iii) They use $CAM$ pathway for photosynthesis.
(iv) They have flattened stems and large sized leaves.
(v) Their stomata remain closed during the day.

• A. (i), (ii) and (iii)
• B. (ii), (iii) and (v)
• C. (i), (ii) and (iv)
• D. (i), (ii), (iii) and (v)

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Xerophytes can withstand a prolonged period of drought, for this purpose they have certain peculiar adaptations. Thick cuticle is present in these plants. Stomata are generally sunken (deep seated) and open during night only. They have $CAM$ pathway for photosynthesis. Leaves are generally small and scaly. Sometimes leaves are modified into spines to reduce water loss through transpiration. They generally have an extensive root system and a smaller shoot system. Stems may be modified to phyllodades or dadodes to carry out the function of photosynthesis.