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:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
All three are ways in which dry-area plants cut water loss through transpiration. A waxy coat seals the surface, small leaves expose less evaporating surface, and thorns or spines replace leaves almost entirely.
- ✓ 1. A thick, waxy cuticle on hard leaves slows the escape of water vapour; plants of very dry habitats often have such a coat.
- ✓ 2. Small leaves have less surface from which water can evaporate and heat up less in the sun.
- ✓ 3. In plants such as cacti the leaves are reduced to thorns or spines, so the plant loses very little water through leaves at all.
Remember · Desert (xerophytic) plants save water with waxy coats, small leaves, thorns/spines, deep roots and fleshy water-storing stems.
Sources
- Plant Adaptations, U.S. National Park Service (teachers' resource) ↗ “Small leaves on desert plants help reduce moisture loss during photosynthesis. Small leaves mean less evaporative surface per leaf.”
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2018, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·