CBSE Class 10 Answered

Desert plants have to develop different ways of capturing water in order to survive in their habitat. These changes are called adaptation. They store water in the roots, stems, leaves or fruit. Some plants have developed very long roots that go deep into the ground to reach underground water.
Desert plants limit water loss through their leaf surface by the size, sheen, or texture of their leaves. The leaves turn into spines. Small or spiny leaves limit the surface area exposed to the drying heat. Glossy leaves reflect the sun's rays, reducing leaf temperatures and evaporation rates. Waxy leaves prevent moisture from escaping. Some plants only open their leaf pores at night when it is cool and water loss from leaves is low.