Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?Hard an

Question

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?Hard and waxy leavesTiny leavesThorns instead of leavesSelect the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

These are plants growing in extreme dry conditions throughout the year. For example, plants growing in deserts (psammophytes), on rock (lithophytes) or alpine plants growing above 14000 feet altitude. Xerophytes Adaptations:Conservation of Water ModificationsLeaves few or absent or represented by spines onlyPetiole modified into leaf like structureStem reduced, branching sparseIn some cases stem flattened, leaf like, green, photosynthetic in natureStorage of Water ModificationsThick, fleshy and succulent leaves as well as stemPrevention of loss of water by transpiration ModificationsIntercellular spaces reducedSpongy parenchyma/ palisade parenchyma presentStomata on lower surface, sunken in stomatal pitsLeaves needle likeThick cuticle on leaf surfacePrevention of excessive heat ModificationsLeaves covered with dense hairsLeaf surfaces shiny or glaborousLeaf blade remains rolled during the dayEfficient mechanism of water absorption ModificationsLong and profusely branched rootsDense root hairsWell developed xylemSource Citation: NCERT