Question

A place has very scanty rainfall. The dominant plants there may be
A. Opuntia
B. Nymphaea
C. Asparagus
D. Both a and c

Answer 1

Hint:- Xerophytes come under a special group of plants that can easily survive in very dry regions.They are quite adept of surviving in dry surroundings because they contain specific features to limit the water loss.

Complete step-by-step solution:- Those plants which can grow to further expand in conditions with negligible water availability or in dry surroundings, are Xerophytes. Below are the special morphological adaptations/features of xerophytes :
Stomata : In Xerophytes, either the stomata are very few in number, or are present are in sunken pits below the leaf surfaces.
Roots quite close to the plant’s surface : Because of this feature, xerophytes are capable of holding water swiftly and efficiently. This water can be easily regenerated after rains.
Succulence : Xerophytes contain specialized cells which can hold the required amounts of water in conditions with less water availability.
Waxy, hairy and spiny outer surfaces : Their adaptive hairy and spiny surfaces scatter light to be safe from any harmful effect of the Sun's heat and light. The waxiness on the outer surface efficiently holds in and retains the water. Their leaves are modified into spines, which also help them in being safe from getting dehydrated, by transpiration.
Option a) Opuntia is an example of xerophytes, usually found in the hilly, sunny and dry areas. Thus, this option is Correct.
Option b) Nymphaea is an aquatic flower, i.e., a hydrophyte (hydrophytes are habituated to living in watery conditions). Thus, this option is incorrect.
Option c) Asparagus is an attractive xerophytic (garden) / ornamental plant. Thus, this option is also Correct.
Option d) Both a & c - This is the most Correct option.

Note:-
- Xerophytes are specifically found in arid (desert) or semi-arid areas.
- They can easily grow in mesophytic (requiring moderate water availability to survive) conditions too.
- They can effortlessly tolerate :-
- Low humidity,
- High temperatures, &
- Immensely dry conditions.