Question

Assertion (A): A thick cuticle reduces transpiration by acting as a barrier.
Reason (R): Desert plants have large, thin leaves for transpiration.

• A. (A) is true and (R) is false
• B. (A) is false and (R) is true
• C. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• D. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

Hint:

A thick cuticle helps in reducing transpiration by acting as a barrier, while desert plants' leaf adaptations help minimize water loss. The two are separate adaptations for survival in arid environments.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The assertion is stating that a thick cuticle reduces transpiration by acting as a barrier. This is true because a thick cuticle on plant surfaces prevents water loss through evaporation, which is important in reducing transpiration in plants, especially in desert environments. The reason mentions that desert plants have large, thin leaves for transpiration. This is also true, as desert plants often have modified leaves (such as thin or needle-like leaves) to minimize water loss while still allowing some transpiration. These adaptations help the plant survive in arid conditions. Although both (A) and (R) are true, the reason (R) is not a direct explanation of why a thick cuticle reduces transpiration. The thick cuticle acts as a barrier to reduce water loss, but the adaptation of large, thin leaves in desert plants serves a different purpose related to minimizing water loss, not directly explaining the thick cuticle's function. Final Answer: (D) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).