Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit water loss? 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves or no leaves 3. Thorns instead leaves Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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Q: 69 (IAS/2013)
Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit water loss?
1. Hard and waxy leaves
2. Tiny leaves or no leaves
3. Thorns instead leaves

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,131,17,7,3,7,131

keywords: 

{'leaves': [0, 0, 1, 3], 'leaf modifications': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'tiny leaves': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'desert areas': [1, 0, 0, 3], 'water loss': [0, 0, 1, 2], 'thorns': [0, 0, 0, 2]}

The correct answer is:

1, 2, and 3: Hard and waxy leaves, tiny leaves or no leaves, and thorns instead of leaves.

Explanation:

In desert areas, plants have adapted various leaf modifications to inhibit water loss and survive in arid conditions. These adaptations include:

1. Hard and waxy leaves: Many desert plants have developed leaves with a thick cuticle and wax coating to reduce water loss through evaporation. The waxy layer helps to retain moisture within the leaf and reduce transpiration.

2. Tiny leaves or no leaves: Some desert plants have reduced the surface area of their leaves or eliminated leaves altogether. This reduces the exposure of the plant to the dry desert air and minimizes water loss through transpiration.

3. Thorns instead of leaves: Certain desert plants have evolved to have thorns or spines in place of leaves. These thorns help to reduce water loss by reducing the surface area exposed to the desert environment and also provide protection against herbivores.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

1, 2, and 3.