Final answer:
Leaves normally shrivel due to dehydration when there is a lack of water reaching the plant. The root system is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil and transporting them to the rest of the plant. In drought conditions, the soil may become dry and have a lower water potential than the plant, causing the stomata to close and the plant to shed leaves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leaves normally shrivel due to dehydration when there is a lack of water reaching the plant. The initial plant part that would be slacking in getting water to the plant is the root system.
The root system is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil and transporting them to the rest of the plant. If the root system is not functioning properly or if there is a lack of water in the soil, the leaves will not receive sufficient water and will begin to shrivel.
For example, in drought conditions, the soil may become dry and have a lower water potential than the plant. As a result, the stomata on the leaves close to conserve water, and in severe cases, the plant may shed its leaves to further reduce water loss.