Question

Which of the following is the main adaptation for a plant to survive in xerophytic
condition?
A. Spines
B. No stomata
C. Stipular leaves
D. None of the above

Answer 1

A xerophyte (dry plant) is a species of plant that has adapted to survive in an
environment with scarce water conditions, such as plants found in deserts. Some common examples of xerophytes include Cactus, some Gymnosperm plants, and Pineapple. They are adapted to conserve water for adverse conditions.

Step by step answer: Xerophytic plants:
• The morphology and physiology of xerophytes are altered to conserve water.
• It stores large quantities of water, particularly during dry periods.
• Plants with these types of morphological and physiological adaptations in order to conserve water are termed as xeromorphic.
• Xerophytes such as cactus are capable of withstanding extreme conditions of dry periods as they have deep-spreading roots and the capacity to store water is quite remarkable.
• The leaves have adapted accordingly and they are waxy and thorny that prevents loss of water. Even their fleshy stems are adapted for storing water.
• They have specialized modifications which are termed as spines. It helps to reduce the effect of transpiration.
Types-
• The plants which store water in their stems or leaves are known as succulent plants. These include plants from the family Cactaceae and the example is Cactus. The leaves are often vestigial, the leaves are reduced to spines.
• The plants which endure a long and continuous shortage of water in the soil are termed as non-succulent. So, these are termed as true xerophytes or Euxerophytes. Water deficiency reaches 60–70% of their weight in these types.
• Ephemerals are termed as the drought escaping kind, and they are not considered as true xerophytes. The main purpose is to escape drought conditions.

Note: These xerophytic plants undergo morphological and physiological adaptations in
order to conserve water. Some common adaptations include-
• A great amount of reduction in surface area.
• Cuticles(first line of defense).
• Features such as wax coating to reflect sunlight.
• Reducing rate of evaporation with hairs on the body.
• Stomata closure.
• Delayed germination and growth etc.