Final answer:
Xerophytes are plants that have adapted to very limited water resources in extremely dry environments. They have various adaptations to increase water intake, decrease water loss, and store water when it is available.
Step-by-step explanation:
Xerophytes are plants that have adapted to very limited water resources in extremely dry environments. They have various adaptations to increase water intake, decrease water loss, and store water when it is available.
One adaptation is a thicker waxy cuticle on their leaves to prevent water loss. Another adaptation is the modification of leaves into spines, which reduces the surface-to-volume ratio and further minimizes water loss.
Some xerophytes also have specialized hair-like cells called trichomes that secrete oils and substances to impede air flow across stomatal pores, thus reducing transpiration.