Which one of the following statements about the Acacia tree is/are correct ?
- 1. It has a long shallow root system which enables it to find moisture
- 2. It has thorny leaves to prevent water loss
- 3. It has wide crown so the foliage can absorb the maximum Sunlight
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 2 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2020
2. Thorny stems/branches (often associated with leaves) deter herbivores, which is crucial for survival in environments where plant resources are scarce. While the phrasing “thorny leaves to prevent water loss” is botanically imprecise, thorns protect the plant, including its water-containing parts (leaves), indirectly contributing to survival in a water-limited environment. Also, reduced leaf size is a key adaptation for water loss prevention, often found in arid Acacias.
3. A wide crown maximizes light capture in open habitats like savannas, allowing for efficient photosynthesis when water is available.