how are cactus adapted in a desert

Adaptation seem in cactus to survive  in a desert area 

  • Leaves are in the form of spines to reduce loss of water through transpiration 
  • Stems are covered with waxy layer to retain water 
  • Stems are green and fleshy to store water 
  • Roots go deep into the soil to absorb water 

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 Cacti (plural) is a common name given to a group of xerophytic plants (adapted to dry regions).

They are able to survive to to a number of unique adaptations to their morphology.

They have long roots that spread out just under the surface in search of water, they grow more roots (feeder roots) when heavy rain falls these roots are then cut of by the plant so there is less plant to feed and less chance of precious water seeping out.

They also have spines which are modified leaves to keep animals from eating the stem; the needles also catch water then send it in towards the plant so it can slide of the vertical stem on to the floor to be absorbed by the roots. Reduction in leaves also means less water is lost through transpiration. 

Cacti look swollen because they have adapted their stems and leaves (where they still have) to store as much water as possible and to lose as little water as possible by evaporation. They also have a very thick and waxy cuticle which cuts down water loss to the absolute minimum. 

The whole of the stem is green and contains photosynthetic cells, so the plant does not need broad leaves to pick up light. There is plenty of light around anyway, so the plant can photosynthesize very well for most of the day. 

Some cacti (particularly small ones) have rolled up leaves so there is less surface area exposed to the sun. It may have thorns to protect it from being eaten, and also be a grayish color so to reflect the heat of the sun and to prevent water loss.

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They are adapted to live in the desertbecause they have-

1) thick waxy coating to retain water

2)long  roots which go deep down to absorb water 

3)spine like leaves to reduce loss of water
 


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 Cactus have leaves which modifies into spines their roots r so deep which goes deep in soil to absorb water they hve waxy layer on their stem to retain water

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CACTUS IS A XEROPHYTE. THESE PLANTS CAN GROW IN DESERTS AND REQUIRE MINIMUM AMOUT OF WATER FOR THEIR SURVIVAL. THESE PLANTS HAVE LONG ROOTS WHICH GO DEEP INTO THE SOIL FOR EXTRACTING WATER FROM THE SOIL. THEY BEAR THIN AND SPINY LEAVES TO MINIMIZE THE LOSS OF WATER. THEREFORE PLANTS LIKE CACTUS CAN SURVIVE IN A DESERT.

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