NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Xerophyte adaptations are numerous. The development of a waxy cuticle around plant tissues like leaves and stems helps prevent water loss during transpiration. Spines, which are highly adapted leaves, help prevent predation and also direct surface water like dew towards the roots of the plant.

Detailed explanation-2: -Plants with adaptations which allow them to live in hot and dry conditions are called xerophytic . The following adaptations allow plants to survive in the hot desert environment: Small leaves-these ensure that less water is lost from the plant by transpiration because the leaf has a smaller surface area.

Detailed explanation-3: -Some xerophytes have tiny hair on their surfaces to provide a wind break and reduce air flow, thereby reducing the rate of evaporation. When a plant surface is covered with tiny hair, it is called tomentose. Stomata is located in these hair or in pits to reduce their exposure to wind.

Detailed explanation-4: -In many xerophytes, a dense indumentum of dead air-filled hairs covers the leaves. The hairs (trichomes) reflect radiation and thereby reduce leaf temperature, and they increase the thickness of the boundary layer, which reduces transpiration.

Detailed explanation-5: -Hairy leaves-minimise water loss by reducing air flow and creating a humid microclimate which reduces evaporation rate and the water potential gradient.