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But they do... cacti leaves look like thorns to us. The reason their leaves evolved into thorns is to reduce water loss.

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They do have leaves, but they don't look 'normal'. Their leaves are the needle-like things sticking out of the stem, and they attach themselves to your skin to draw blood.

The reason their leaves are not like 'normal' ones, is because of the heath cacti are exposed too. Large leaves are not suitable for hot environments, since they have a large surface, from which water can evaporate. So actually, their leaves are so small and pointy for protection. Protection from water loss, herbivores and birds. After all, cacti don't like being eaten or nestled in, or deprived of all their water. Photosynthesis is also achieved by the stem or body of the plant, not the leaves.

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