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to suck up the water to store it

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12y ago
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3mo ago

The roots of a cactus plant spread just below the surface of the ground to quickly absorb any moisture that falls as precipitation. This adaptation allows the cactus to maximize water uptake during rare rainfall events in arid environments. Additionally, shallow roots help the cactus stabilize itself in the sandy or rocky soil typical of its habitat.

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Q: Why do roots of a cactus plant spread just below surface of ground?
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What type of tropism do cactus plants show?

Phototropism is the type of growth that the desert cactus plant shows above ground. It grows in response to the high levels of heat and light in the desert. The above ground parts are called the shoots, and the below ground roots. The roots grow in response to the search for moisture in the soil.


Is igneouse rocks in the ground or above?

Igneous rocks can be found both in the ground and above ground. Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava, which can happen below the Earth's surface (intrusive igneous rocks) or on the surface (extrusive igneous rocks).


Can igneous rock be formed above or below ground?

Yes, igneous rocks can be formed both above and below the ground. When molten rock solidifies beneath the Earth's surface, it forms intrusive igneous rocks like granite. If molten rock reaches the Earth's surface and cools rapidly, it forms extrusive igneous rocks like basalt.


What is the Source of earths water under the surface?

The source of Earth's water under the surface is mainly from underground aquifers, which are underground layers of rock and sediment that hold water. This water can come from precipitation that percolates down through the soil and rocks over time. Additionally, some water can also be stored in underground reservoirs or as groundwater.


Every plant needs water to grow then how does cactus grow?

A cactus is deeply rooted and, even in a hot desert, there may be dampness below. Also, whenever it does rain, the cactus will store water in special cells that cause the cactus to swell. Another adaptation is that a cactus's covering is waxy to prevent water loss. While it may be hot during the day, temperatures can plummet at night.

Related questions

Why does a saguaro cactus have roots so close to the surface?

Because the roots of the saguaro cactus are just below the surface.


What type of root system does the prickly pear cactus have?

Cacti have either a long tap root or fibrous roots just below the surface of the ground.


If the roots are cut and the cactus removed but some roots remain below ground will the cactus regrow?

Yes, cactus plants have roots.Specifically, a cactus plant needs roots to take in moisture and dissolved nutrients from the soil. It is upon this underground supply of moisture and dissolved nutrients that the entire plant depends for survival and growth. Additionally, roots keep the plant anchored in the ground or - in the case of epiphytic cactus plants - to the branches of trees.


What type of tropism do cactus plants show?

Phototropism is the type of growth that the desert cactus plant shows above ground. It grows in response to the high levels of heat and light in the desert. The above ground parts are called the shoots, and the below ground roots. The roots grow in response to the search for moisture in the soil.


Ground water exists below the surface of the earth?

Yes, groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth's surface in the pores and spaces of soil, sand, and rock formations. It is a valuable natural resource that is often used for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial purposes.


Is the surface of any river higher than sea surface?

Rivers' surface located in deep valleys can be below of the ocean surface. Furthermore, there are underground rivers which certainly are below sea level, depending on how deep such rivers are placed below-ground.


What do you call gold that is found just below the ground's surface?

Easy money.


The water in rocks below Earth's surface is called what water?

Ground water


How far below the surface was the Terracotta Army?

10 feet under ground


How does a cactus take in oxygen?

A cactus takes in oxygen above and below ground. Below ground, it takes in oxygen as part of the water molecule with hydrogen. It does so through its spreading, shallow, fibrous roots.Above ground, it takes oxygen in from the air. It does so through the gas exchange that's regulated by the guard cells on either side of the stem's breathing pores, or stomata. Atmospheric oxygen exists as oxygen and in water vapor.


What is the meaning of underground?

The place or space beneath the surface of the ground; subterranean space., Being below the surface of the ground; as, an underground story or apartment., Done or occurring out of sight; secret., Beneath the surface of the earth.


What types of bugs eat cactus plants?

Bugs are small insects. The two main bugs that attack a cactus plant are mealybugs [Pseudococcus spp] and root mealybugs [Rhizoecus falcifer]. Mealybugs feed on the cactus plant's precious juices that are found in the above ground shoots. Root mealybugs feed on the water and dissolved nutrients that the cactus takes in through its below ground roots. Either way, Both sets of bugs are taking away the fluids that the cactus most needs to survive.