Which type of plant is adapted to survive in dry environments by minimizing water loss?

Xerophytes are specially adapted plants that thrive in arid environments where water availability is limited. These plants have developed several physiological and structural adaptations to minimize water loss.

Common features of xerophytes include thick, waxy cuticles on their leaves or stems that reduce evaporation, deep root systems that allow them to access water from deeper soil layers, and modified leaf structures (such as spines or small leaves) that decrease surface area, thereby reducing transpiration. Additionally, some xerophytes may employ physiological strategies such as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) to optimize water use during photosynthesis.

In contrast, hydrophytes live in aquatic environments and are adapted to maximize their water uptake, while mesophytes thrive in environments with moderate water availability. Tropophytes can generally survive in seasonal environments but do not possess the specialized adaptations found in xerophytes for extreme dryness. This makes xerophytes distinct and uniquely suited for survival in dry conditions.