How do the cacti survive?

Answer 1

Barrel shaped stems without leaves are water reservoir and photosynthesize. Spines are dense, somewhat obscuring the surface of the stem protecting it from heat, water loss and to be eaten by animals.

Answer 2

Cacti survive in arid environments by storing water in their thick stems, roots, and leaves. They have adapted to reduce water loss through modified leaves, spines instead of leaves, and a waxy outer coating that prevents water evaporation. Their shallow root systems also help them quickly absorb any moisture before it evaporates.

Answer 3

Barrel cactus, Ferocactus is a genus of large barrel-shaped cacti with about 30 species.

Its adaptions to desert:

Barrel shaped stems without leaves are water reservoir and photosynthesize.

Spines are dense, somewhat obscuring the surface of the stem protecting it from heat, water loss and to be eaten by animals.

It flowers sporadically under favorable conditions

Fruits are reported to have high nutrient values and are eaten and dispersed by animals ( mule deer and peccary e.g. ), seeds are eaten and dispersed by birds.

The root system of barrel cactus is shallow and confined to the upper soil layers. At one site a main anchoring root extended down to about 8 inches, this enables the plant to absorb every available drop of water but also good fixation even in canyons.

It is able to branch at the apex after injuries or fires.

The barell cactus is a kelipopherilon plant which means it can gurtilitate its water. In easier words it can kiphretise in a dilomisentinal type of way

By Kane.b

2009

Answer 4

A barrel cactus [Ferocactus spp] survives by absorbing some sunlight and deflecting, dispersing and reflecting the rest into the environment. It survives by adding beauty to the bright, drab, dry, extreme, harsh environment of the desert. For example, the candy barrel cactus [Ferocactus wislizeni] alternates white with red and rust colored spines. It survives by capturing available moisture by its spreading, shallow, fibrous roots. It survives by cleansing the environment of carbon dioxide, which is needed for the photosynthetic interaction with sun. In turn, it releases oxygen into the air. It survives by conserving soil, which it holds together through its roots. It survives by conserving water, which it stores inside its stem. It survives by defending itself against predators and sun damage through its ferocious fish hook spines. It survives by directingavailable moisture - be it dew, fog, or rainfall - into the ground, and its roots, by the channeling responsibilities of its modified leaves in the form of hooked spines. It survives by feeding the soil food web with exudates, or waste products. It survives by growing bright yellow or violet bell or funnel shaped flowers, and small yellow berries. It survives by secreting a sugary solution, to attract pollinating ants in summer and fall. It survives by specializing body parts and functions. For example, the stem takes over the responsibility for moving, processing and storing water, nutrient solutions, and energizing photosynthetic products.

Answer 5

They don't have leaves so they don't have lose water quickly. They have deep roots so they can collects water deep in the earth. They can store ALOT of water when it rains that lasts for weeks- that's why they are heavy. Cati don't grow close to each other to prevent competition for water

Answer 6

A cactus has a fleshy stem and has no leaves.

Leaves are the parts of any plant which plays a role in transpiration, i.e., leaves transpire. The excess water is therefore lost to the environment from the leaves.

In a cactus, the leaves are modified into thorns. So, there is no such transpiration. There is loss of excess water. Water is therefore retained which can be used by the plant any time. Thus, the extremely hot climate doesn't affect it.

Answer 7

it also has deep roots and it also has prickles so no animal can bother it

Answer 8

The barrel Cactus can be found in the southwest of north america. It will adapt by usually drinking some water from its spine aftwer it has rained.

By Leon.Z

2005

Answer 9

Barrel cacti prefer well-drained soil found on warm. rocky hillsides.

Answer 10

A cactus can hold water inside of it. :)