Desert Plant Adaptations

All three modifications are correct adaptations of desert plants to reduce water loss. (1) Hard and waxy leaves have a cuticle that reduces transpiration. (2) Tiny leaves or reduced leaf surface area (as in cacti) minimize water loss through transpiration. (3) Many desert plants (cacti, acacias) have thorns instead of leaves - thorns are modified leaves that reduce surface area and water loss while still protecting the plant. All three are valid xerophytic adaptations found in different desert plant species. > Desert plants employ multiple leaf modifications - waxy coatings, size reduction, and structural transformation - all targeting the single goal of minimizing transpirational water loss. Answer: (d).