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What are the adaptations of the cactus to its desert environment?
A cactus has special adaptations in its roots, leaves as well as stems that enable it to thrive in desert environments. These adaptations include – spines, shallow roots, deep-layer stomata, thick and expandable stem, waxy skin and a short growing season.
What are 3 adaptations that allow a cactus to survive in the desert?
Eg cactus plants:
- thick, waxy skin to reduce loss of water and to reflect heat.
- large, fleshy stems to store water.
- thorns and thin, spiky or glossy leaves to reduce water loss.
- spikes protect cacti from animals wishing to use stored water.
- deep roots to tap groundwater.
- long shallow roots which spread over a wide area.
What are the adaptations of cactus plants?
They have:
- Stems that can store water.
- Widespread or very deep root systems that can collect water from a large area or from very deep underground.
- Spines which are modified leaves.
- Very thick, waxy cuticle to reduce water loss by evaporation .
- Reduced number ofstomata to reduce water loss by transpiration .
How are desert plants adapted to survive in a desert?
The leaves and stems of many desert plants have a thick, waxy covering. This waxy substance does not cover the stomata, but it covers most of the leaves, keeping the plants cooler and reducing evaporative loss. Small leaves on desert plants also help reduce moisture loss during transpiration.
How are cacti adapted to survive in the desert?
How Are Cactus Adapted To Survive In A Desert? A cactus has special adaptations in its roots, leaves as well as stems that enable it to thrive in desert environments. These adaptations include – spines, shallow roots, deep-layer stomata, thick and expandable stem, waxy skin and a short growing season.
What are the adaptations of cactus stomata?
A cactus has special adaptations in its roots, leaves as well as stems that enable it to thrive in desert environments. These adaptations include – spines, shallow roots, deep-layer stomata, thick and expandable stem, waxy skin and a short growing season. Why do cactus stomata open at night?
How do cactus roots grow when it rains?
The cactus plants have shallow roots that absorb water from the ground. The plant also grows temporary roots when the ground becomes damp with the goal for absorbing plenty of water during the rains. It only takes about two hours for a cactus plant to grow these roots. After the rains stop, the roots dry up.
Do cactus need leaves to photosynthesis?
Therefore, cactus doesn’t need leaves to photosynthesis the way other plants do. The added advantage of that is the desert has plenty of sunshine so it’s easy for the stems to have access to sunlight. The spines play a significant role when it comes to avoiding water evaporation.