UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2018

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 2 and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Desert plants (xerophytes) reduce transpiration through thick, hard, waxy-cuticled leaves, tiny or scale-like leaves, and by converting leaves into spines/thorns (as in cacti, where photosynthesis shifts to the stem). All three modifications occur.

Topics: environment and ecology, leaf modifications in desert plants, plant adaptations, xerophytes