HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -The leaves in gymnosperms are well adapted to withstand extremes of temperature, humidity, and wind. In conifers, the needle-like leaves reduce the surface area. Their thick cuticle and sunken stomata also help to reduce water loss. So the correct option is ‘Presence of thick cuticle and sunken stomata’.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gymnosperms are seed plants adapted to life on land; thus, they are autotrophic, photosynthetic organisms that tend to conserve water. They have a vascular system (used for the transportation of water and nutrients) that includes roots, xylem, and phloem.

Detailed explanation-3: -Gymnosperms are xerophytes in nature due to presence of thick bark, thick hypodermis, thick cuticle, scales leaves, sunken stomata, transfusion tissue, etc. In some cases leaves modified into needle-like, scale like or small leathery. These are the adaptations to combat water stress in air and colder regions.