Plant modifications in desert areas

What are xerophytic plants?

Plants with adaptations which allow them to live in hot and dry conditions are called xerophytic plants.

What are the adaptations which allow plants to survive in the hot desert environment?

Structural adaptations are important to plant’s survival in the desert. 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.

Tap roots – these are long roots that reach deep under the ground to access water supplies.

Spines – some plants have spines instead of leaves eg cacti. Spines lose less water than leaves so are very efficient in a hot climate. Spines also prevent animals from eating the plant.

Many plants in the desert conserve water by not having any leaves at all. Cacti are the most prolific of this plant type. Many cacti have spines in place of leaves, which conduct photosynthesis and catch dew when the climate is right. These small structures also reflect light, further reducing water loss. During heavy rains, cacti will grow temporary root systems and absorb water. They will then shed the roots when the ground has dried.

Wax coating on leaves – some leaves have a thick, waxy skin on their surface. This reduces water loss by transpiration.

Water storage – some plants, known as succulents, store water in their stems, leaves, roots or even fruits. Plants which store water in their leaves and stems also have a thick waxy skin so that they lose less water by transpiration.

For example plants such as aloes are equipped with fleshy leaves that contain much of their water supply. Because of their moist inner bodies, these plants are called succulents. They typically feel spongy and when cut open are filled with a pulpy flesh, protected by a waxy outer layer.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

QUES . Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss? UPSC 2018

1 . Hard and waxy leaves

2 . Tiny leaves

3 . Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a . 2 and 3 only

b . 2 only

c . 3 only

d . 1, 2 and 3

Ans d

Related Posts

Pumped Storage Hydropower : Working, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

Hydroelectric power plants, which convert hydraulic energy into electricity, are a major source of renewable energy. There are various types of hydropower plants: run-of-river, reservoir, storage or…

Membrane bioreactor : Advantages and Disadvantages

In the past few decades, Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology has emerged as a wastewater treatment technology of choice over the activated sludge process (ASP), which has been…

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Pollution : Sources, Effects and How to Reduce?

Sulphur dioxide is a colourless and soluble gas with a pungent odor. It is a liquid when under pressure, and it dissolves in water to form sulphuric…

Largest Emitters of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) in the World

India is the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the world, contributing more than 21 per cent of global anthropogenic emissions mainly coming from coal-based electricity…

Common Native Plant Species of India

Common Native Tree Species of India Vernacular Names / Botanical Names 1 . Pilkhan / Ficus virens 2 . Peepal / Ficus religiosa 3 . Bargad /…

Measures for conservation and management of ground water

Must read: Steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources in India Though water is a State subject, Central Government has taken a number of…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!