Question

Which one is a characteristic of a xerophyte?
A. Aerenchyma
B. Large leaves
C. Sunken stomata
D. Poorly developed roots

Answer 1

Hint:-Xerophytes are those plants that are adapted to grow and develop in environments with very little availability of water, such as in the deserts or the areas covered with snow. The most common examples of xerophytes are cactus, aloe vera, pineapple, etc.

Complete answer:
The morphology of the xerophytes is modified in a way to conserve the water. The physiology of their body (chemical processes) is also adapted in a similar way to store a large amount of water, thereby performing all the physiological processes even in unfavourable dry conditions. Different plants adopt different methods to manage their water requirements and also to store water, however, mostly all the xerophytes look similar in their body shapes and structures. Some common modifications seen in the xerophytes are the presence of thick cuticle, waxy and thorny leaves, fleshy stems, etc. They have comparatively a lesser surface area than other normal plants to decrease the rate of transpiration and evaporation, and thereby the amount of water lost. For this purpose, xerophytes also show another adaptation, i.e. sunken stomata. The stomata present in the leaves of the xerophytes are not found on the surface of the leaves, but in the depressions on the lower surface of the leaves. The surfaces of the leaves are also coated with a cuticle layer to reduce water loss.

Thus the correct option is (C) Sunken stomata.

Note:- Apart from these modifications, xerophytes also show some other physiological adaptations such as the production of molecules that protect the plant body from the heat such as resins, wilting of the leaves, abscission, etc.