Read the following statements about adaptations in desert plants and select the correct ones.
(i) They have a thick cuticle on their leaf surfaces.
(ii) They have stomate present in deep sunken pits.
(iii) They use CAM pathway for photosynthesis.
(iv) They have flattened stems and large sized leaves.
(v) Their stomata remain closed during the day.

Options

A. (i),(ii) and (iii)
B. (ii),(iii) and (v)
C. (i),(ii) and (iv)
D. (i),(ii),(iii) and (v)

Answer

D

Explanation

Xerophytes can withstand a prolonged period of drought, for this purpose they have certain peculiar adaptations. Thick cuticle is present in these plants. Stomata are generally sunken (deep seated) and open during night only. They have CAM pathway for photosynthesis. Leaves are generally small and scaly. Sometimes leaves are modified into spined to reduce water loss through transpiration . They generally have an extensive root system and a smaller shoot system. Steams may be modified to phylloclades or cladodes to carry out the function of photosynthesis.