NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Cactus Spine Functions One of the main functions of spines is fairly obvious-they protect cacti from predators. Their sharp spines will turn away most animals, but not all. Javelina (wild pigs), pack rats, desert tortoises and bighorn sheep aren’t put off by the prickly spines and cacti are part of their diets.

Detailed explanation-2: -Instead of leaves, most cacti have spines or scales (which are modified leaves). These spines and scales do not lose water through evaporation (unlike regular leaves, which lose a lot of water). The spines protect the cactus from predators (animals that would like to eat the cactus to obtain food and/or water).

Detailed explanation-3: -(i) It has long roots that go deep inside the soil for absorbing water. (ii) Its leaves are in the form of spines to prevent water loss through transpiration. (iii) Its stem is covered with a thick waxy layer to retain water.

Detailed explanation-4: -Physical characteristics Cacti generally have thick herbaceous or woody chlorophyll-containing stems. Cacti can be distinguished from other succulent plants by the presence of areoles, small cushionlike structures with trichomes (plant hairs) and, in almost all species, spines or barbed bristles (glochids).