Question

Describe xerophytic adaptation of the given plant specimen (D)
suitable diagram.
(D) → Opuntia OR Acacia.​

Answer 1

Answer:

A xerophyte is a species of plant that has adaptations to survive in an environment with little liquid water, such as a desert or an ice.

Answer 2

Xerophytic adaptation is a type of modification among plants growing in extreme conditions, such as deserts.

Explanation:

Xerophytic adaptation is a type of modification among plants growing in extreme conditions, such as deserts,  extremely cold areas etc.

• These modifications are made by the plant  for its survival in those areas.
• As the areas are extremely  hot and lack sufficient water, the plants develop spines, have reduced leaf size, have a waxy layer coating the plant, etc

• Most common adaptations are

1. Reduced leaves size: They have small leaves so exposure to sun is reduced and loss of water from the plant can be saved.
2. Development of spines: Spines are formed to save water and constrict the surface of exposure. It is also a defense mechanism, so that animals would not consume them.
3. Waxy coating: It is a thick coating which prevents transpiration (loss of water from plant).
4. Taproot system: Some plants grow long slanderous roots which go deep into the soil to absorb water.

Opuntia and Acacia are examples of xerophytic adaptations as the have spines to prevent loss of water and save themselves from being eaten by animals.

Opuntia is a plant with spines, waxy coating and a succulent structure. The succulent structure helps is storing water while the spines and wax coating preserves it.