Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss ? 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Correct Option (D) Desert plants exhibit various leaf modifications to minimize water loss in arid environments: 1. Hard and waxy leaves: A thick cuticle and waxy coating on leaves significantly reduce the rate of transpiration. The waxy surface can also reflect sunlight, thereby lowering leaf temperature and further reducing water evaporation. 2. Tiny leaves: A reduced leaf surface area directly translates to less exposure for transpiration, thus conserving water. 3. Thorns instead of leaves: In many desert plants, such as cacti, leaves are modified into spines. These spines drastically reduce the surface area available for transpiration. Additionally, they serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores. While 'thorns' are botanically modified stems, 'spines' are modified leaves, and both serve the ecological function of water conservation in desert flora. Incorrect Options Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they exclude one or more of the valid leaf modifications listed, all of which contribute to water conservation in desert plants. - Option A excludes the adaptation of hard and waxy leaves. - Option B excludes both hard and waxy leaves and the modification into thorns/spines. - Option C excludes hard and waxy leaves and tiny leaves.

IAS 2018 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2018mcqmedium

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss ?

Hard and waxy leaves
Tiny leaves
Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 and 3 only
B2 only
C3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option (D)

Desert plants exhibit various leaf modifications to minimize water loss in arid environments:

Hard and waxy leaves: A thick cuticle and waxy coating on leaves significantly reduce the rate of transpiration. The waxy surface can also reflect sunlight, thereby lowering leaf temperature and further reducing water evaporation.
Tiny leaves: A reduced leaf surface area directly translates to less exposure for transpiration, thus conserving water.
Thorns instead of leaves: In many desert plants, such as cacti, leaves are modified into spines. These spines drastically reduce the surface area available for transpiration. Additionally, they serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores. While 'thorns' are botanically modified stems, 'spines' are modified leaves, and both serve the ecological function of water conservation in desert flora.

Incorrect Options

Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they exclude one or more of the valid leaf modifications listed, all of which contribute to water conservation in desert plants.

Option A excludes the adaptation of hard and waxy leaves.
Option B excludes both hard and waxy leaves and the modification into thorns/spines.
Option C excludes hard and waxy leaves and tiny leaves.

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