Xerophytes minimize transpiration to conserve water in dry environments

Steps:

• Define xerophyte: A plant adapted to arid conditions with features reducing water loss.
• Recall transpiration: Rate of water evaporation from leaves, higher in mesophytes, lower in xerophytes.
• Compare rates: Under identical conditions, the plant with the lowest transpiration rate adapts best to drought.
• Identify D: It shows the lowest rate among A, B, C, and D.

Why D is correct:

• Xerophytes evolved low transpiration rates (e.g., via thick cuticles or sunken stomata) to survive water scarcity, matching D's minimal rate.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: High rate indicates mesophyte, not drought-adapted.
• B: Moderate rate suggests typical plant, not xerophyte.
• C: Elevated rate implies hydrophyte or mesophyte traits.

Final answer: D