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Many young cacti get their start under shade trees (like mesquite or palo verde trees). Others begin growing between rocks or boulders, which protect them from the sun or being walked on by people or animals.

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What is the cactus' shelter in the desert?

Some species of cactus do best when they grow in the shade of a shrub or other leafy plant. That is the only 'shelter' they might have in the desert.


What do spiders eat on a saguaro cactus?

Spiders on a saguaro cactus primarily feed on insects that frequent the cactus for shelter or food, such as ants, beetles, and flies. They may also prey on other small arthropods found on the cactus, contributing to the natural pest control in the ecosystem.


What type of symbiotic relationship does the saguaro have?

The saguaro cactus has a mutualistic relationship with the saguaro desert. The cactus provides shelter for birds, bats, and insects, while these animals help pollinate the cactus and disperse its seeds.


How is cactus' important to animals?

A cactus is not important to most animals, but it is important to animals that depend on it for food or shelter. For example, the tortoise, deer, rabbits, and even some humans even cacti( cactus) and the Gila woodpecker uses cacti, that's big enough, for it's home.


What does a cactus plant use for making shelter?

A cactus plant tends to dominate its environment, particularly if that habitat is the desert. In such a bright, dry, hot niche, the cactus tends to be the main form of vegetation. Any other vegetation tends to be the understory to the cactus, and not the other way around, except in the jungle.So a cactus plant tends to use its own body parts as its shelter. The main sheltering body part is the thickened stem to move, process and store nutrient solutions and photosynthetic products. Another is the modified leaf in the form of thorns, spines, spikes, quills, prongs, needles, hairs or bristles. The modified leaf protects the plant from predators.


What does a cactus provide?

A cactus providesbeauty and color in an otherwise barren landscape, through blossoms and leaves. It provides food to area wildlife, such as the cactus wren [Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus]. It provides jobs to pollinators of its flowers. It provides parts for buildings and tools. It provides protection against soil and surface evaporation, through its water holding roots. It provides shelter to area wildlife.


What happen when the cactus didn't have thorns?

If a cactus didn't have thorns, it would lose its primary defense mechanism against herbivores. Without thorns, the cactus would be more vulnerable to being eaten by animals, which could lead to decreased survival and reproduction rates. Additionally, without thorns, the cactus might face increased competition from other plants, as it would lack the protective adaptations that help it thrive in harsh environments. Ultimately, this change could disrupt the local ecosystem and the balance of species that depend on the cactus for food and shelter.


How do animals use cactus plants?

Garden tools are used to move cactus plants, because of their ferociously intimidating modified leaves. Gloves are used to handle cactus plants carefully. Moisture meters are used to gauge the amount of soil moisture. Protective eyewear such as sunglasses, and protective clothing are used to check the cactus over. Systemic fungicides are used now instead of copper sulfate to break the cycle of cactus decline from fungal attacks.


What is the significance of the big cactus in Arizona's ecosystem and how does it contribute to the region's biodiversity?

The big cactus in Arizona, such as the saguaro, plays a significant role in the ecosystem by providing habitat and food for various species. These cacti serve as nesting sites for birds, shelter for small animals, and a water source during dry periods. Additionally, the flowers of the cactus attract pollinators, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.


How does the desert lark live in the desert?

The desert lark eats seeds and insects and metabolizes food at a slower rate than other birds in other climates. The desert lark has adapted to living in the desert and can survive on minimal water as well.


What cactus grows in the Chihuahuan Desert in the US?

Various species of prickly pear and cholla Claret cup cactus Hedgehog cactus Peyote Rainbow cactus Corncob cactus Living rock cactus Button cactus Eagle claw cactus (aka Turk's head cactus) Fish hook barrel cactus Pincushion cactus Strawberry cactus several others


Why do elf owls need the saguaro cactus to survive?

Elf owls rely on the saguaro cactus for nesting and roosting sites, as the cactus provides natural cavities that protect them from predators and harsh weather. The saguaro also supports their diet by attracting insects and small animals they hunt. Additionally, the cactus plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing shelter and food for various species, which in turn sustains the elf owl's habitat. Without the saguaro cactus, elf owls would struggle to find suitable nesting sites and food sources.