The leaves of desert plants are not torn away by high wind velocity because of

Options

A. Spines
B. Bending towards opposite side
C. Sclerenchymatous tissue that provides extra mechanical support
D. Tearing of corners while the middle remains saved.

Answer

To answer the question, "The leaves of desert plants are not torn away by high wind velocity because of," we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Environment**: Desert plants are adapted to survive in harsh conditions, including high wind velocities. This adaptation is crucial for their survival.

2. **Identifying Leaf Structure**: The leaves of desert plants often have specialized structures that help them withstand environmental stress.

3. **Evaluating Options**:
- **Spines**: Some desert plants have spines instead of leaves, which can reduce wind resistance but do not directly explain why leaves are not torn away.
- **Bending Towards the Opposite Side**: While some plants may bend, this is not a primary reason for the resilience of leaves against wind.
- **Sclerenchymatous Tissue**: This tissue is composed of sclerenchyma cells, which are dead at maturity and have thick, lignified walls. This structure provides mechanical support and rigidity.
- **Tearing of Corners**: This option does not accurately describe a mechanism that prevents leaves from being torn away.

4. **Conclusion**: The most accurate explanation for why the leaves of desert plants are not torn away by high wind velocity is due to the presence of sclerenchymatous tissue, which provides extra mechanical support.

5. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the correct answer is option 3: "sclerenchymatous tissue that provides extra mechanical support."