Which one of the following statements about the Acacia tree is/are correct ? 1. It has a long shallow root system which enables it to find moisture 2. It has thorny leaves to prevent water loss 3. It has wide crown so the foliage can absorb the maximum Sunlight Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Acacia trees exhibit specialized xerophytic adaptations for arid environments. Statement 1 is incorrect because Acacias possess deep taproot systems, not shallow ones, to access groundwater buried deep beneath the surface. Some species can store up to 120 liters of water in these deep roots. Statement 2 is correct; Acacias have small, narrow leaves or phyllodes often accompanied by sharp thorns or spines. These thorns deter herbivores and the reduced leaf surface area, often protected by waxy coatings, minimizes water loss through transpiration. Statement 3 is correct as the wide, flat-topped crown (umbrella shape) is a characteristic morphology that allows the foliage to capture maximum sunlight while providing shade to the trunk to reduce evaporation. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are accurate descriptions of Acacia adaptations.

Sources

1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Desert Vegetation > p. 443
2. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 3: MAJOR BIOMES > 10. Desert Biomes > p. 15