A thick cuticle reduces water loss through transpiration, helping desert plants conserve water. Underwater plants do not face water shortage, so a thick cuticle would hinder gaseous exchange and absorption, making survival and normal functioning difficult.
Why do you think that a thick cuticle on the outer wall of epidermis is advantageous for a plant living in the desert but disadvantageous for a plant living underwater?
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Desert plants benefit from a thick cuticle because it reduces water loss by transpiration and protects them from dry conditions. Aquatic plants live surrounded by water and need easy exchange of gases and substances with their environment. A thick cuticle would block these exchanges, reduce flexibility and interfere with normal absorption, making it disadvantageous for underwater plants.
For more NCERT Solutions of Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3 Tissues in Action Question Answer (2026-27)
https://www.tiwariacademy.com/ncert-solutions/class-9/science/exploration-chapter-3/