How are cactus adapted to survive in a desert?

Answer 1

the plants growing in deserts have adaptations to prevent water loss for example cactus:

1. has no leaves to prevent water loss through transpiration.

2. stem is modified in such a way that it performs photosynthesis.

3.root system is well developed and grows in deep in search of water.

Answer 2

Cactus (as most desert plants) plants survive in near desert conditions, on almost no water.

They manage this because of several adaptations to their stems and leaves that they have developed over their long evolution. Cacti look swollen because they have adapted their stems and leaves 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.

Their leaves are reduced to spines, again to retain more water (flat leaves lose loads of water by evaporation).

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.

Answer 3

CATUS ARE AWSOME. 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.

Answer 4

Cacti can survive in deserts because they store water in themselves and use them to grow.

Answer 5

The evergreens are made from the earth and gets wet but catuses don t get wet often tha others can on earth

Answer 6

They have very shallow root systems. This means - they can absorb even the tiniest amount of moisture from any rain that falls on the sand.

Answer 7

Its stem swell to conserve water.