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Why are leaves modified to form spines in the cactus plant how then does the cactus plant make food?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
The cactus adapted to its harsh environment by developing thick skin to slow the evaporation of water. The leaves changed in order to reduce the surface area that water could evaporate from and over time became defensive spines to protect itself from animals trying to get inside its thick skin for the moisture.
The cactus makes its food, by having chlorophyll throughout the rest of plant. That is why the entire cactus is green.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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What desert plant has no leaves but has stems and spines?
A cactus has no leaves but does have a stem.
What are cacti thorns useful for?
Cactus spines prevent moisture loss from plants. Spines also defend the plants from grazing animals. The spines are just modified leaves.
Why are spines the leaves of cactus plant?
Can be used for rainsticks. The spines are pushed to the inside of the hollow cactus and shells are put in making the sound of rain when inverted. Spines pushed in so the shells don't fall too fast.
What desert plant has no leaves but has stem nd called spines?
Cactus
What are the modified leaves of a cactus?
Cactus leaves are modified, because they're characterized by smaller surface areas. Those cactus plants that have modified leaves have them as thorns, spines, spikes, quills, prongs or bristles. So the cactus leaf has a narrower, thinner look than the leaves of deciduous plants.The reason for this modified look is the effort to keep water loss to a minimum. Water is lost at a lower rate and in smaller quantities over a smaller surface area. Additionally, the narrower, thinner look helps the modified leaf to direct any available moisture on its surface to drip to the ground. On the ground, the drops seep into the soil, where they can be taken up by the cactus plant's network of fibrous, shallow roots.
Which plant has flowers but no real leaves?
A Cactus - it has a modified stem which produces flowers, but no leaves.
Is cactus leafy plant?
yes, it is, the leaf of a cacti plant is modified into spines in order to reduce transpiration. This is a method of desert adaptation.
Various types of modified leaves?
The cactus modified leaves to sreate its spines, which are used for protection and storage of water. Carniverous plants have the "mouths," which are modified to help the plant obtain its needed nitrogen. Coniferous trees created needles instead of leaves. These needles are used for water storage and photosynthesis, and they have a very thick cuticle.
Why cactus plant have spines?
they have the spines to protect them from your face
Are cactus spines alive?
Yes, cactus spines are living parts of the cactus plant. They owe their existence to growth buds on the plant's surface. From the growth buds also come a cactus plant's flowers.
How does a cactus make food when it doesn't have leaves?
A cactus makes food through the process of photosynthesis, like any other plant. The difference between a cactus making food from another plant is that cactus have their leaves reduced to spines, therefore, their stem contains chlorophyll and photosynthesis takes place through the stem.
What are cactus leaves covered in?
No, a cactus has no leaves. Over millions of years the plant has evolved to adapt to its dry environment. The leaves have been turned into stout spines that help protect the plant and all photosynthesis takes place in the stem of the plants.
