Question

Give reason for the following statements.
Leaves are reduced to spines in desert plants like cacti.

Answer 1

Desert plants:

1. Plants found mainly in the desert region are known as xerophytes. For example: Cactus, Elephant tree, etc.
2. These plants are modified in such a way which helps in reducing the loss of water from the plant body through transpiration.
3. This helps in surviving in arid regions having water scarcity.
4. Leaves are reduced to spines (stem) which results in reduced surface area for transpiration.
5. Waxy coating on stems reduces loss of water.