Which of the following is a characteristic adaptation of plants in dry areas with low rainfall? 1. Broad leaves to capture sunlight. 2. Deep roots. 3. Leaves with thorny and waxy surfaces. 4. Shallow root systems. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (b). Explanation Plants growing in dry or arid regions, known as xerophytes, evolve specific morphological and physiological adaptations to minimize water loss (transpiration) and maximize water absorption and storage. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Broad leaves provide a large surface area, which increases the rate of transpiration (water loss). Plants in dry areas typically have small, needle-like, or modified leaves to minimize surface area and conserve moisture. - Statement 2 is Correct. Vegetation in arid regions often develops extremely long and deep root systems (taproots) to penetrate the soil layers and access deep underground water tables. - Statement 3 is Correct. Leaves modified into thorns or spines reduce the surface area available for transpiration and provide protection against grazing animals. Additionally, a thick waxy coating (cuticle) on leaves and stems acts as a barrier to evaporation, helping the plant retain water. - Statement 4 is Incorrect. While some desert plants (succulents) have shallow spreading roots to absorb surface moisture quickly, the most distinct structural adaptation for survival in prolonged drought conditions-often contrasted with plants in wet regions-is the development of deep root systems. In the context of the given options, deep roots are the primary characteristic paired with leaf modifications. Key Takeaway: Xerophytic vegetation adapts to water scarcity through deep root systems to access groundwater and modified leaves (thorns, waxy surfaces) to reduce transpiration.

NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

mcqmedium

Which of the following is a characteristic adaptation of plants in dry areas with low rainfall?

Broad leaves to capture sunlight.
Deep roots.
Leaves with thorny and waxy surfaces.
Shallow root systems.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C3 and 4 only
D1 and 4 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Plants growing in dry or arid regions, known as xerophytes, evolve specific morphological and physiological adaptations to minimize water loss (transpiration) and maximize water absorption and storage.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Broad leaves provide a large surface area, which increases the rate of transpiration (water loss). Plants in dry areas typically have small, needle-like, or modified leaves to minimize surface area and conserve moisture.
Statement 2 is Correct. Vegetation in arid regions often develops extremely long and deep root systems (taproots) to penetrate the soil layers and access deep underground water tables.
Statement 3 is Correct. Leaves modified into thorns or spines reduce the surface area available for transpiration and provide protection against grazing animals. Additionally, a thick waxy coating (cuticle) on leaves and stems acts as a barrier to evaporation, helping the plant retain water.
Statement 4 is Incorrect. While some desert plants (succulents) have shallow spreading roots to absorb surface moisture quickly, the most distinct structural adaptation for survival in prolonged drought conditions-often contrasted with plants in wet regions-is the development of deep root systems. In the context of the given options, deep roots are the primary characteristic paired with leaf modifications.

Key Takeaway:

Xerophytic vegetation adapts to water scarcity through deep root systems to access groundwater and modified leaves (thorns, waxy surfaces) to reduce transpiration.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of population and land resources: 1. Ninety per cent of the world’s population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area. 2. Areas with steep slopes and rugged topography are generally densely populated. 3. Plains and river valleys are densely populated due to suitability for agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors are considered "Physical Factors" determining land use? 1. Topography 2. Population 3. Soil 4. Technology 5. Minerals Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to 'Common Property Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Common Property Resources refer exclusively to land owned by private individuals. 2. Community lands are also known as Common Property Resources. 3. Encroachment on these lands is observed primarily to expand agricultural land in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following are cited as major threats to the environment resulting from the expansion of agriculture and construction activities? 1. Land degradation 2. Landslides 3. Soil erosion 4. Desertification Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following methods for the conservation of land resources: 1. Deforestation 2. Land reclamation 3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides 4. Checks on overgrazing Which of the methods given above are to check land degradation?

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Broad leaves provide a large surface area, which increases the rate of transpiration (water loss). Plants in dry areas typically have small, needle-like, or modified leaves to minimize surface area and conserve moisture.
Statement 2 is Correct. Vegetation in arid regions often develops extremely long and deep root systems (taproots) to penetrate the soil layers and access deep underground water tables.
Statement 3 is Correct. Leaves modified into thorns or spines reduce the surface area available for transpiration and provide protection against grazing animals. Additionally, a thick waxy coating (cuticle) on leaves and stems acts as a barrier to evaporation, helping the plant retain water.
Statement 4 is Incorrect. While some desert plants (succulents) have shallow spreading roots to absorb surface moisture quickly, the most distinct structural adaptation for survival in prolonged drought conditions-often contrasted with plants in wet regions-is the development of deep root systems. In the context of the given options, deep roots are the primary characteristic paired with leaf modifications.

Key Takeaway:

Xerophytic vegetation adapts to water scarcity through deep root systems to access groundwater and modified leaves (thorns, waxy surfaces) to reduce transpiration.