Question

Why do desert plants have small leaves or leaves that have been reduced to spines?

• A. To bear more flowers
• B. To absorb more water from the atmosphere.
• C. To minimise water loss through transpiration
• D. To reduce the rate of photosynthesis.

Answer 1

The correct option is C To minimise water loss through transpiration

In deserts, there is scarcity of water. So, in order to adapt to water scarce areas, desert plants have their leaves reduced to spines. Spines reduce water loss by transpiration significantly by reducing the surface area of leaves. Thus, they help in conserving water.