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A cactus plant began its evolutionary path as a stereotypical herbaceous plant. For example, it had a slender stem, and larger and wider leaves. But its extreme, harsh environment demanded changes for survival. For example, the cactus developed a thick skin to minimize sun damage and water loss. It developed a spreading, shallow, fibrous root system to seek out and capture available soil moisture. It developed thinner leaves to direct water away from evaporation prone leaf surfaces. It took the job of storing internal contents away from the roots, and gave it to the stem. It took the job of regulating the entry and exit of gases away from the leaves, and likewise gave it to the stem. As a result, the cactus evolved into the extreme environment's dominant contender and key player.

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