Question

Ephemerals are short-lived xerophytes, which lack the capacity to tolerate drought. They survive in the critical dry period in the form of 

(a) barks and leaves 

(b) leaves and thorns 

(c) fruits and seeds 

(d) thorns and seeds

Answer 1

Answer is (c) fruits and seeds

Ephemerals or drought escapers are short-lived xerophytes, which do not have the capacity to tolerate drought. During critical dry periods, they survive in the form of fruits and seeds that have hard seed coat and pericarp respectively. At the return of favourable conditions, these seeds germinate into new plants.