The dominant plant species in the desert biome are typically: (A) Cacti and succulents (B) wild weeds (C) Coniferous trees (D) Broadleaf trees

General
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The dominant plant species in the desert biome are typically: (A) Cacti and succulents (B) wild weeds (C) Coniferous trees (D) Broadleaf trees

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The dominant plant species in the desert biome are typically: (A) Cacti and succulents (B) wild weeds (C) Coniferous trees (D) Broadleaf trees

Answer: The dominant plant species in the desert biome are typically (A) Cacti and succulents.

Explanation:

Desert biomes are characterized by their arid conditions, with very low precipitation and extreme temperatures. Plants in these regions have adapted to survive with minimal water. Here are the reasons why cacti and succulents are the dominant plant species:

  1. Water Storage: Cacti and succulents have specialized tissues that store water, allowing them to survive long periods of drought.

  2. Reduced Leaf Surface Area: Many desert plants, including cacti, have reduced or no leaves to minimize water loss through transpiration. Instead, they often have spines or thorns.

  3. Deep or Widespread Root Systems: These plants often have extensive root systems that can either tap into deep groundwater or spread out widely to absorb surface moisture from infrequent rains.

  4. CAM Photosynthesis: Many desert plants use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, a water-efficient process that allows them to fix carbon dioxide at night, reducing water loss during the hot daytime.

Other Options Explained:

  • (B) Wild weeds: While some weeds can grow in desert conditions, they are not typically the dominant plant species. They often lack the specialized adaptations needed to thrive in such extreme environments.

  • (C) Coniferous trees: These trees are more commonly found in temperate and boreal forests, where conditions are much wetter and cooler than in deserts.

  • (D) Broadleaf trees: These trees are typically found in deciduous and tropical forests, which have much higher precipitation levels than deserts.

In summary, the harsh conditions of desert biomes favor plants like cacti and succulents, which have evolved unique adaptations to conserve water and survive in an environment where water is scarce.