The plants that grow in deserts or very dry areas are referred to as?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name given to plants that live in deserts or very dry areas, so we are looking for plants adapted to water scarcity.

Step 2: Explain the concept Plants are grouped by the amount of water in their habitat. The Greek roots help:

• Hydro- means water, so hydrophytes are water plants (e.g. water lily, water lettuce).
• Epi- means upon, so epiphytes grow on other plants for support, not for water (e.g. some orchids, ferns on tree trunks).
• Xero- means dry, so xerophytes are plants of dry habitats.
• Meso- means middle, so mesophytes live in moderate conditions with average water supply (e.g. maize, beans, hibiscus).

Step 3: Apply to the question Deserts and very dry areas have little water, so the plants there must be xerophytes. Examples are cactus, agave, and Euphorbia. Their adaptations include:

• Thick, waxy cuticle to reduce water loss
• Reduced leaves or spines to cut down transpiration
• Fleshy stems that store water
• Deep or widespread roots to reach water
• Sunken stomata

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. xerophytes.

Tip: Link the prefix to the meaning. Xero sounds like "dry," so think "X" marks the dry spot. Hydro = H2O water. Meso = middle, so moderate conditions.