Question

Which of the following is not an adaptation of Xerophytes?
A. Spongy Tissue
B. Well-developed mechanical tissue
C. Well-developed vascular tissue
D. Thick Cuticle

Answer 1

Xerophytes are plants adapted for dry areas. This category of plants are mostly succulents. That is, they store water for example: cacti. Their stems are thick and fleshy and leaves are reduced to spikes generally.

Complete Answer:
- The structure and functions of the stem of xerophytes is to avoid water loss. The mechanical tissue is hence highly developed in order to limit the water loss.
- Vascular tissue as in the xylem and phloem of xerophyte are highly developed. The xylem is especially significant for transpiration as well as for maintaining the temperature of the plant.
- The phloem tissue is also a very significant part of the vascular system. This is responsible for transporting and distributing glucose which is produced through photosynthesis in green leaves to the various parts of the plants.
- Cuticles are necessary to prevent the plants from being wet as well as to stop them from drying up. The cuticles of xerophytes are thick in order to assist their survival in harsh conditions.
- Hence, we can say that the spongy tissues are not an adaptation of Xerophytes as they permeate the exchange of gases and xerophyte restricts the release of gases in order to limit water loss.

Hence the correct answer is option A.

Note: Spongy tissues are found especially in plants of wet and marshy regions. They act as a permeable membrane and help in release of gases, hence are very important in the process of transpiration.