In some areas of the world, deserts are expanding into places that were once forests. During this process, some of the forest trees will die off because of the change in climate. But, some of the trees may survive this process. What adaptation would give a tree a chance to survive this environmental change?

Question

In some areas of the world, deserts are expanding into places that were once forests. During this process, some of the forest trees will die off because of the change in climate.  But, some of the trees may survive this process. What adaptation would give a tree a chance to survive this environmental change?

A) The growth of limbs that are skinnier and longer.
B) The use of cones to protect and eventually spread seeds.
C) Thick, waxy leaves that help store water by keeping it from evaporating.
D) Increased hardness of the wood in the tree that allows it to grow higher, and absorb more sunlight.

I chose D.

Bot · Answer

The correct answer is C. Thick, waxy leaves that help store water by keeping it from evaporating would be an adaptation that would give a tree a better chance of surviving in an area where the climate is changing and becoming more arid. This adaptation allows the tree to conserve water and withstand drought conditions.