THE PLANTS THAT GROW IN DESERTS OR VERY DRY AREAS ARE REFERRED TO AS

• A. mesophytes
• B. hydrophytes
• C. epiphytes
• D. xerophytes ✓

The answer to the question is: D. xerophytes

Xerophytes are the plants that grow in deserts or very dry areas. These plants have adapted to survive in arid conditions by reducing water loss and efficiently utilizing the limited water available. Xerophytes have evolved various physiological and morphological adaptations to thrive in these harsh environments.

One of the key adaptations of xerophytes is their ability to minimize water loss through transpiration. They achieve this by having reduced leaf surface area, thick cuticles, and sunken stomata, which help to reduce water loss through evaporation. Additionally, some xerophytes have developed specialized water storage tissues, such as succulent stems and leaves, to store water during periods of drought.

Furthermore, xerophytes have developed mechanisms to efficiently utilize the limited water available in their environment. For example, some xerophytes have deep root systems that can access groundwater sources, while others have evolved mechanisms for efficient water uptake and transport within their tissues.

Overall, xerophytes have evolved a suite of adaptations that enable them to thrive in dry environments and make the most of the limited water resources available to them.