Which of the following describes an adaptation used by plants that live in a desert biome?

• A. Deciduous leaves that are shed in winter
• B. Thick, waxy cuticles to reduce water loss
• C. Large, broad leaves to maximize sunlight absorption
• D. Shallow roots to absorb nutrients from the surface

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the environmental challenges of a desert biome: Desert biomes are characterized by extreme temperatures and very low water availability. Plants in these environments must adapt to conserve water and survive prolonged periods of drought.
2. Analyze the adaptation options provided: Each option represents a different plant feature. Evaluate how each feature aligns with the challenges of a desert biome.
3. Option 1: Deciduous leaves shed in winter. This adaptation is typically seen in plants in temperate climates to conserve energy during cold months, not in desert plants where water conservation is critical year-round.
4. Option 2: Thick, waxy cuticles to reduce water loss. This adaptation is common in desert plants, as the waxy cuticle minimizes water evaporation from the leaf surface, helping the plant retain moisture in arid conditions.
5. Option 3: Large, broad leaves to maximize sunlight absorption. While this adaptation is useful in environments with limited sunlight, it is counterproductive in deserts because large leaves increase water loss through transpiration. Option 4: Shallow roots to absorb nutrients from the surface. Desert plants typically have deep or extensive root systems to access water deep underground, rather than shallow roots.