answersLogoWhite

0

The spines are an effective deterrent to herbivores, but also protect the plant stem. The spines increase the surface area available to collect moisture, an additionally help reflect the sun away from the stem and lower the stem temperature.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Do cacti of the same type look the same?

You could suppose that cacti of the same type look similar. They will have the same color patterns and spines, but will most likely be shaped differently.


What could the Prickly Pear cactus do if you stuck your finger into it?

If you stuck your finger into a prickly pear cactus, you could get stuck with one of the spines. You could also possibly be bitten by a spider who likes to make their webs in the prickly pear.


Why wouldn't you like to touch a cactus?

A cactus (there are many species) is likely to be covered with very sharp spines. Apart from painfully drawing blood, any dust and bacteria on the spine that punctured your skin could cause a wound or blood infection. Some cacti have spines so close together that it is possible, with care, to pick up the plant with bare hands (similar to someone laying on a bed of nails without harm). Other cacti have spines so long that it is too difficult to handle the plant without very thick leather gauntlets.


What type of flower could survive the longest without being in soil or having water or sunlight?

The flower that could survive the longest without water or sunlight would be a cactus. Now, you agreed to exotic gifts! Cacti have interesting looking shapes. You could get him a weird looking cactus. That would be funny, exotic and it would survive!


Could the spines on a cactus be considered an adaptation?

Yes


Can a cactus be a resource to survive thirst?

I sure would not rely on a cactus to provide water. Many cacti have toxins or hallucinogens in their tissues which could cause sickness and make the dehydration of the body even worse.


Why do hedgehogs have spines on their back?

to protect itself from creatures that could harm it.


Can cacti be poisonous?

Cacti are not generally considered good to eat. It's a common misconception that cacti have water in them, but you'll find it's more of a slimey liquid that'll probly make you feel ill. Some cacti, such as Peyote and San Pedro are also psychedelic, as they contain Mescaline. Although not poisonus per se, it would not be advisable to ingest them as food as the experience can last up to 12 hours, which can be terrible under the wrong conditions. Other than that, there is no danger so long as you don't eat them and stay clear of the spines :)


Could a jellyfish kill a lionfish?

It could, but it would get some of its tentacles cut by the lionfish's sharp spines.


Where could a cactus not survive?

Cactus will rot if they do not get a chance to dry out after being exposed to water. They evolved in dry climates and have not developed any self protection against dangerous organisms that thrive in dampness.


Could chameleons survive in the ocean Why or why not?

Could chameleons survive in the ocean why or why not???


When was Could We Survive created?

Could We Survive was created on 2008-03-18.