Question

A cacti is a type of xerophyte. Cacti have fewer stomata than other plants.

How is this an adaptation to survive in desert conditions?

A: It reduces loss of water.

B: It decreases the uptake of carbon dioxide.

C: It increases the uptake of carbon dioxide.

D: It increases the loss of water.

Answer 1

Cacti have adapted to desert conditions by having fewer stomata, which reduces water loss while still allowing for photosynthesis. This adaptation is crucial for survival in arid environments where water conservation is essential.

Step-by-step explanation:

A cacti is a type of xerophyte, which means it is well adapted to survive in arid environments such as deserts. One of the key adaptations of cacti to reduce water loss is having fewer stomata than other plants. Since stomata are the pores through which plants exchange gases, they are also points where water can escape. In the dry environments where cacti live, it is crucial to conserve water, and so having fewer stomata helps them to reduce the loss of water. This adaptation allows them to carry out photosynthesis with minimal water loss by controlling gas exchange carefully, especially during the heat of the day when evaporation rates are the highest.

Some cacti can prepare materials for photosynthesis during the cooler nighttime when their stomata are open, which conserves water due to lower temperatures. During the daytime, these cacti can use the captured CO₂ for photosynthesis while keeping their stomata closed, thus minimizing water loss. Furthermore, many desert plants have other adaptations, such as a thick waxy cuticle and modified leaves to reduce transpiration, enhancing their ability to survive in water-scarce environments.

Answer 2

It reduces loss of water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The answer is simple as a plant such as cactus are found in deserts and as you know desert is a dry land of sand. So to survive a cactus has an anatomical and behavioural adaptation of absorbing and storing water, and one of them is preventing of loss of water.