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

Step 1: Assertion analysis.
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.
Step 2: Reason analysis.
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.
Step 3: Conclusion.
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).