Thorny vegetation and deciduous forests both save water but what is their difference?

Thorny plants have small thorn-like leaves while deciduous trees shed leaves in dry season

Thorny vegetation and deciduous forests both have adaptations that help them survive periods of limited water, but they use different methods. Thorny plants commonly have very small leaves or leaves modified into spines. This reduces the surface area through which water can escape. Deciduous trees usually have broader leaves during the wet or favourable season and shed those leaves during the dry season to reduce water loss.

Option A is correct because it clearly distinguishes the two adaptations. Thorny vegetation is associated with dry regions, while deciduous forests are linked with a seasonal dry period and a wetter growing period. The other options wrongly place both types only on saline coasts or high Himalaya, or deny their climate relationship. Their forms are therefore examples of different water-saving strategies.

This is a Class 9 Geography question. Chapter: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife. Topic: Types of Vegetation.