Drought avoidance in crops primarily means:

Correct option is C

· Drought avoidance = plant maintains favourable internal water balance (high water potential) despite external drought.
· Mechanisms include:
· Deep root system
· High stomatal control
· Waxy leaves, reduced transpiration
· Early rooting and rapid water uptake
Why other options are wrong
· (a) Completing life cycle quickly = drought escape, not avoidance.
· (b) Dehydration tolerance → drought tolerance, not avoidance.
· (d) No plant survives long term without water.