Consider the following statements about 'transpiration' in desert plants: 1. It is the process of water loss from leaves. 2. Desert plants have adaptations to increase transpiration. 3. Spines in cactus are primarily for increasing the rate of transpiration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a). Explanation Transpiration is the physiological process involving the evaporative loss of water from the aerial parts of plants. In arid environments, plants known as xerophytes have evolved specific mechanisms to manage water balance under conditions of scarcity. - Statement 1 is Correct: Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems, and flowers. It primarily occurs through stomata. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Desert plants (xerophytes) face acute water shortages. Therefore, their adaptations are evolved to minimize or reduce the rate of transpiration to conserve water. Adaptations to increase transpiration would be detrimental to their survival. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: In plants like the cactus, leaves are modified into spines. This modification serves to drastically reduce the surface area available for evaporation, thereby decreasing the rate of transpiration. While spines also protect against grazing animals, their physiological role in water conservation involves reducing, not increasing, water loss. Key Takeaway: Xerophytic adaptations, such as modified leaves (spines), thick cuticles, and sunken stomata, are primarily aimed at reducing the rate of transpiration to ensure survival in water-scarce environments.

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 4: The living organisms - characteristics and habitats

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Consider the following statements about 'transpiration' in desert plants:

It is the process of water loss from leaves.
Desert plants have adaptations to increase transpiration.
Spines in cactus are primarily for increasing the rate of transpiration.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Transpiration is the physiological process involving the evaporative loss of water from the aerial parts of plants. In arid environments, plants known as xerophytes have evolved specific mechanisms to manage water balance under conditions of scarcity.

Statement 1 is Correct: Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems, and flowers. It primarily occurs through stomata.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Desert plants (xerophytes) face acute water shortages. Therefore, their adaptations are evolved to minimize or reduce the rate of transpiration to conserve water. Adaptations to increase transpiration would be detrimental to their survival.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: In plants like the cactus, leaves are modified into spines. This modification serves to drastically reduce the surface area available for evaporation, thereby decreasing the rate of transpiration. While spines also protect against grazing animals, their physiological role in water conservation involves reducing, not increasing, water loss.

Key Takeaway: Xerophytic adaptations, such as modified leaves (spines), thick cuticles, and sunken stomata, are primarily aimed at reducing the rate of transpiration to ensure survival in water-scarce environments.

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems, and flowers. It primarily occurs through stomata.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Desert plants (xerophytes) face acute water shortages. Therefore, their adaptations are evolved to minimize or reduce the rate of transpiration to conserve water. Adaptations to increase transpiration would be detrimental to their survival.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: In plants like the cactus, leaves are modified into spines. This modification serves to drastically reduce the surface area available for evaporation, thereby decreasing the rate of transpiration. While spines also protect against grazing animals, their physiological role in water conservation involves reducing, not increasing, water loss.