Question

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

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

Answer 1

The correct option is B To minimise water loss through transpiration

In deserts there is scarcity of water. If the plants have reduced leaves or no leaves at all, it will reduce the surface area and the number of stomata. This minimises the water loss through transpiration.