Question

Plants give out water through the pores present under their leaves. The plants living in deserts need to reduce the loss of water because water is very scarce in deserts. Which of the following is an adaptation developed by the desert plants to manage the above situation?

• A. They have lots of branches and leaves.
• B. They do not shed leaves in the summer.
• C. They develop roots which come above the ground.
• D. Their leaves are modified into spines.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Their leaves are modified into spines.

Most species of desert plants have lost true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves. As well as defending against herbivores, spines help prevent water loss by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing some shade. In the absence of leaves, enlarged stems carry out photosynthesis.

So, the correct answer is 'Their leaves are modified into spines'.