Plants that are found in extreme dry conditions are called

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name given to plants that live in extremely dry conditions, such as deserts.

Step 2: Explain the concept (what each term means) Plants are grouped by the amount of water in their habitat:

• Epiphytes: plants that grow on other plants for support, not for water or food. Examples are some orchids and ferns.
• Hydrophytes: plants that live in water or very wet places, such as water lily and water lettuce.
• Mesophytes: plants that live in moderate conditions with a fair supply of water, such as maize, hibiscus and most farm crops.
• Thallophytes: simple plants with no true root, stem or leaf, only a body called a thallus. Examples are algae and fungi. The term has nothing to do with water supply.
• Xerophytes: plants adapted to very dry habitats. The Greek word xeros means "dry".

Step 3: Match to the question Plants in extreme dry conditions are xerophytes. They have adaptations to reduce water loss and store water, for example:

• Thick, waxy cuticle on leaves
• Reduced leaves or spines, as in cactus
• Sunken stomata
• Fleshy stems or leaves that store water (succulents)
• Long, deep roots that reach underground water

Examples include cactus, agave, and sansevieria.

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

Tip: Remember the Greek roots:

• Xero = dry → xerophytes (dry)
• Hydro = water → hydrophytes (water)
• Meso = middle → mesophytes (moderate)

Think of "xerox" machines, which make "dry" copies, to remember xero = dry.