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How are the spiny needles on cactus an adaptation to desert conditions?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
The needles provide protection from animals that feed on cacti. They also provide shade in some species with dense coverings of spines. The needles were originally leaves that evolved over years to needles. Leaves lose much more water to the atmosphere that the spines do.
Cactus spines also act as condensation collectors, especially in arid regions with daily fogs like the coastal strip of the Atacama Desert in South America. In addition to watering the cactus, the water dripping off the spines is an important source of moisture for local wildlife.
Some cactus spines even provide a means of propagation by clinging to passersby and causing a segment of the cactus stem to detach from the parent plant, which it does quite easily, and travel with the host animal to wherever the animal dislodges it and the stem can now grow again in a new spot.Easy to answer. Some animals want the water from the cactus, but they can't because of the needles
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThey have needle-like leaves to prevent water loss by giving the sun a smaller area to evaporate water.
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What is the thorns on the cactus for?
The cactus is one of the few plants found in the desert, and in order to survive it needs a massive amount of water. Since it does not rain all year round in a desert, cacti store water when it does rain. So the needles on the cactus protect their water-rich flesh from other things in the desert.
What is an adaptation of cactus plants underwater?
There is no adaptation of cactus plants underwater. The cactus plant is built to withstand light deprivation if it's a jungle cactus. It's built to withstand moisture deprivation if it's a desert cactus. But either way, the cactus can't tolerate excesses in the fulfillment of its moisture, light and heat requirements.Excess cold and damp soften and blacken cactus tissue. It's an open invitation to fungal problems. No cactus can withstand the large scale softening and blackening of its tissue by being subjected to the constant moisture of underwater living.
What types of flowers grow in the desert?
Succulents, cactus, anemone The iris is also a desert plant in Israel and Pakistan. ~Desert flowers are known as xerographic plants, they have the ability to survive without water for long periods of time due to their Dicotic, extra vascular potentials. Plants such as the cactus have used their lessened surface area (Needles) for this adaptations. See the related link for more information.
Do cactus have chlorophyll?
mostly stored water, as they are well adapted to the dry desert environment.
Every plant needs water to grow then how does cactus grow?
A cactus is deeply rooted and, even in a hot desert, there may be dampness below. Also, whenever it does rain, the cactus will store water in special cells that cause the cactus to swell. Another adaptation is that a cactus's covering is waxy to prevent water loss. While it may be hot during the day, temperatures can plummet at night.
What plant has an adaptation to the desert?
cactus
What are the native plants and their adaptation to live in the desert?
cactus and dates were the native plants of deserts
What is a cactus adaptation in the desert?
Most cacti are able to store water in their stems for periods of drought.
What is the adaptation for the ironwood?
sagebrush,cactus,ocotillo,brittle bush,mojave aster,and desert ironwoodPut
What is the thorns on the cactus for?
The cactus is one of the few plants found in the desert, and in order to survive it needs a massive amount of water. Since it does not rain all year round in a desert, cacti store water when it does rain. So the needles on the cactus protect their water-rich flesh from other things in the desert.
Why is a short life cycle a good adaptation to desert conditions?
Slow growth,which conserves food,energy,and water,is another adaptation of desert plants
Why are the cactus leaves in such way?
Because they are in the desert where the effect of the sun is overkilling,hence they have evolved this form for their survival(adaptation)
What are the special features of desert animals?
Adaptation to their changing environmental conditions.
Why does a cactus grow in deserts?
The cactus has a number of structural adaptations that allow it to live in the harsh conditions of the desert. Many other plants lack these adaptations and cannot survive in a desert.
Climate of a cactus?
Hot, like in the desert where they store there water in there needles and there inside because in the morning it is foggy and then moisture collects on them that how they get water. :)
What is a desert cactus?
a cactus that grows in the desert XD
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.
