Which ones develop characteristics of xerophytes ?

Options

A. Hydrophytes
B. Sciophytes
C. Heliophytes
D. Halophytes.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Xerophytes**:
- Xerophytes are plants that are adapted to survive in dry environments, such as deserts. They have special adaptations to minimize water loss and maximize water retention.

2. **Characteristics of Xerophytes**:
- **Thick Cuticle**: Xerophytes have a thick waxy cuticle on their leaves which reduces water evaporation.
- **Sunken Stomata**: The stomata (pores for gas exchange) are often sunken, which helps reduce water loss by transpiration.
- **Stomatal Behavior**: Stomata in xerophytes typically close during the day to conserve water and open at night to take in carbon dioxide.
- **Reduced Leaf Surface Area**: Many xerophytes have smaller leaves or modified leaves (like spines) to decrease the surface area exposed to the sun and reduce water loss.

3. **Identifying the Correct Plant Type**:
- The question provides options: Hydrophytes, Pseuophytes, Heliophytes, and Halophytes.
- **Hydrophytes**: These are water-loving plants that thrive in aquatic environments and do not have xerophytic characteristics.
- **Pseuophytes**: This term is not commonly used in botany, and it does not refer to a specific group of plants known for xerophytic characteristics.
- **Heliophytes**: These are plants that grow in bright sunlight and can develop xerophytic characteristics due to their exposure to intense sunlight and dry conditions.
- **Halophytes**: These are salt-tolerant plants that grow in saline environments, but they do not necessarily exhibit xerophytic adaptations.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Among the given options, **Heliophytes** are the ones that can develop characteristics of xerophytes because they are adapted to bright, sunny environments which can often be dry.

### Final Answer:
**Heliophytes** develop characteristics of xerophytes.

---