AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The spines present on Opuntia represent reduced leaves. The leaves become modified into spines in order to protect the plants from grazing animals and excessive transpiration.

Detailed explanation-2: -In Opuntia, the spines represent the reduced leaves. To protect the plants from grazing animals and excessive transpiration, the leaf sections are modified into spines. Because of transpiration, in which sun rays extract water from the leaves, Opuntia leaves spines have tiny thorns instead of leaves.

Detailed explanation-3: -Examples: Cactus and Acacia are plants with leaves modified into spines.

Detailed explanation-4: -Solution. Root is modified into spines-False. correct statement. Leaves are modified into spines.

Detailed explanation-5: -In Opuntia, the stem is modified into a flattened green structure to perform the functions of leaves, (i.e., photosynthesis).