Question

Given below are two statements about desert plants.
Statement (I): Desert plants have thick cuticle on their leaf surfaces and sunken stomata.
Statement (II): Desert plants like Opuntia carry out photosynthesis with their leaves.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

In Opuntia, leaves are reduced to spines and the flattened stem does photosynthesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Desert plants show adaptations that reduce water loss.

Step 2: Statement (I)
They have a thick cuticle and sunken stomata to cut water loss. This is true.

Step 3: Statement (II)
In Opuntia the leaves are reduced to spines, and photosynthesis is done by the flat green stem (phylloclade). So this is false.

Step 4: Conclusion
Statement (I) is correct and statement (II) is incorrect.

Final Answer:
Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.}} \]