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To protect the plant from animals and people. For some, they provide shade and help to lower the surface temperature of the cacti
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How do the spines on a cactus help it survive?
Spines: Spines help the cactus in several ways. The most obvious use of the spines is for protection against foragers. The cactus basically states "How much pain are you willing to indure to get a drink in this desert?"; Surprisingly, some animals do partake. In some cactus varieties the spines participate in water collection. Water from dew condenses on spines and, in some cactus species, downward-pointing spines help to direct rainwater to the roots of the plant. Spines help to reflect light away from the cactus stem theoretically lowering the stem temperature. Some spines also trap in a layer of air next to the cactus stem preventing loss of water via evaporative cooling.
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 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.
What is the behavioral of a cactus?
Cacti have adapted to hot, dry climates in a number of different ways. Their leaves have grown spines in multiple clusters, which produce shadows on the plant. The spines also help the plant collect precious rain water and the morning dew.
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.
Cactus physiological adaptations?
Cacti have adapted to hot, dry climates in a number of different ways. Their leaves have grown spines in multiple clusters, which produce shadows on the plant. The spines also help the plant collect precious rain water and the morning dew.
How does the crimson hedgehog cactus adapt to the desert?
They grow in clumps so if it is cold they are warm and if it is warm it still stays warm. :)
Tell how the spines on an octopus tree help the plant's leaves keep the water they need?
Tell how the spines on an octopus tree help the plant's leaves keep the water they need?
What do cactus need to live?
As a cactus is a form of a plant, it will require sunlight for photosynthesis and water to stop it from drying out and to help the cactus plant grow.
Why are cactuses tall?
The cactus has evolved to live in areas with little rainfall. They have lost there leaves and in their place have grown spines which cut down on water loss. The spines also provide some protection from animals that might be tempted to eat the plant. Some cacti have dense spine coverage that help shade the plant from intense sunlight.
My cactus has gone discoloured and shriveled up slightly How can I save it Please help I think it's dying?
If your cactus plant looks dry and shriveled up, it may need a new container and some plant food.
How does cactus retain moisture?
Cactuses have a waxy coating to help them retain water, and they have spines to keep others from taking their water.
