Final answer:
Cucurbitaceae species in arid regions have adaptations such as deep and wide root systems, reduced foliage, and water storage mechanisms in their stems or roots to survive dry conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Cucurbitaceae species growing in arid regions have adapted to store water for later use through specialized root systems. In order to survive in these harsh conditions, they have developed survival strategies such as deep roots, reduced foliage, and the capacity to store large amounts of water in parts such as roots, leaves, or stems.
For instance, the saguaro cactus has a shallow yet wide root system that spreads out to collect moisture from a broad area. It lacks leaves, reducing water loss by transpiration, and stores water in its barrel-shaped stem. Plants in such environments must have adaptations like fleshy leaves with sunken stomata to minimize water loss and roots that can absorb and store water efficiently.