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Question
List out the adaptations of xerophytes.
Solution
- The conditions that leads to adaptation of plants in a dry habitat are;
- To absorb as much water as they can get from the surroundings.
- To retain water in their organs for a very long time.
- To reduce the transpiration rate.
- To reduce consumption of water.
- Adaptations of xerophytes:
- They have well-developed roots. Roots grow very deep and reach the layers where water is available as in Calotropis.
- They store water in succulent water-storing parenchymatous tissues, e.g. Opuntia, Aloe vera.
- They have small-sized leaves with a waxy coating, e.g. Acacia. In some plants, leaves are modified into spines, e.g. Opuntia.
- Some of the xerophytes complete their life cycle within a very short period when sufficient moisture is available.
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