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Cacti survive in arid environments by storing water in their thick stems, roots, and leaves. They have adapted to reduce water loss through modified leaves, spines instead of leaves, and a waxy outer coating that prevents water evaporation. Their shallow root systems also help them quickly absorb any moisture before it evaporates.
Barrel cactus, Ferocactus is a genus of large barrel-shaped cacti with about 30 species.
Its adaptions to desert:
Barrel shaped stems without leaves are water reservoir and photosynthesize.
Spines are dense, somewhat obscuring the surface of the stem protecting it from heat, water loss and to be eaten by animals.
It flowers sporadically under favorable conditions
Fruits are reported to have high nutrient values and are eaten and dispersed by animals ( mule deer and peccary e.g. ), seeds are eaten and dispersed by birds.
The root system of barrel cactus is shallow and confined to the upper soil layers. At one site a main anchoring root extended down to about 8 inches, this enables the plant to absorb every available drop of water but also good fixation even in canyons.
It is able to branch at the apex after injuries or fires.
The barell cactus is a kelipopherilon plant which means it can gurtilitate its water. In easier words it can kiphretise in a dilomisentinal type of way
By Kane.b
2009
A barrel cactus [Ferocactus spp] survives by absorbing some sunlight and deflecting, dispersing and reflecting the rest into the environment. It survives by adding beauty to the bright, drab, dry, extreme, harsh environment of the desert. For example, the candy barrel cactus [Ferocactus wislizeni] alternates white with red and rust colored spines. It survives by capturing available moisture by its spreading, shallow, fibrous roots. It survives by cleansing the environment of carbon dioxide, which is needed for the photosynthetic interaction with sun. In turn, it releases oxygen into the air. It survives by conserving soil, which it holds together through its roots. It survives by conserving water, which it stores inside its stem. It survives by defending itself against predators and sun damage through its ferocious fish hook spines. It survives by directingavailable moisture - be it dew, fog, or rainfall - into the ground, and its roots, by the channeling responsibilities of its modified leaves in the form of hooked spines. It survives by feeding the soil food web with exudates, or waste products. It survives by growing bright yellow or violet bell or funnel shaped flowers, and small yellow berries. It survives by secreting a sugary solution, to attract pollinating ants in summer and fall. It survives by specializing body parts and functions. For example, the stem takes over the responsibility for moving, processing and storing water, nutrient solutions, and energizing photosynthetic products.
They don't have leaves so they don't have lose water quickly. They have deep roots so they can collects water deep in the earth. They can store ALOT of water when it rains that lasts for weeks- that's why they are heavy. Cati don't grow close to each other to prevent competition for water
A cactus has a fleshy stem and has no leaves.
Leaves are the parts of any plant which plays a role in transpiration, i.e., leaves transpire. The excess water is therefore lost to the environment from the leaves.
In a cactus, the leaves are modified into thorns. So, there is no such transpiration. There is loss of excess water. Water is therefore retained which can be used by the plant any time. Thus, the extremely hot climate doesn't affect it.
it also has deep roots and it also has prickles so no animal can bother it
The barrel Cactus can be found in the southwest of north america. It will adapt by usually drinking some water from its spine aftwer it has rained.
By Leon.Z
2005
Barrel cacti prefer well-drained soil found on warm. rocky hillsides.
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What type of photosynthesis do cacti utilize to survive in arid environments?
Cacti utilize a type of photosynthesis called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) to survive in arid environments.
How would the lack of leaves help cacti survive?
Cacti have adapted to store water in their stems instead of leaves, which helps them survive in dry conditions. This reduces water loss through transpiration and allows cacti to thrive in arid environments by storing water for long periods. Additionally, the lack of leaves minimizes the surface area for evaporation, helping cacti conserve water.
What unique adaptations do cacti in the Atacama Desert have to survive in such an extreme environment?
Cacti in the Atacama Desert have unique adaptations to survive extreme conditions like limited water and high temperatures. They have thick, waxy skin to reduce water loss, shallow roots to quickly absorb water when it rains, and the ability to store water in their stems. Additionally, some cacti have spines to protect them from predators and to provide shade from the intense sun.
Why does the cacti lack a spongy layer?
Cacti lack a spongy layer in their stems because they have adapted to hot, dry environments with limited water availability. The absence of a spongy layer reduces the surface area for water loss through transpiration, helping cacti conserve water and survive in arid conditions.
What plants can survive with a little bit of water?
Some plants that can survive with little water include succulents, such as aloe vera and cacti, as they store water in their leaves and stems. Other options are snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos, which are known for being resilient and drought-tolerant. These plants require infrequent watering and can thrive in low-moisture conditions.
How do you grow cacti?
cacti (cactus) grow in desers where there is not a lot of water but they still survive.
What do cacti do to survive in the desert?
they conserve their water
How do the cacti in Arizona survive?
Cacti can survive in deserts because they store water in themselves and use them to grow.
Why do cacti survive in desert?
because it has water inside it
What environmental pressures do cactus's have?
Cacti occasionally suffer from the pressures of drought and other animals. Birds and mammals try to get the water from the cacti so THEY can survive. This is why cacti have thorns.
Can cacti survive in the tropics?
Cacti can live in the tropics, but they will probably die from too much water. Cacti retain water so if there is too much water, they basically drown. Tropics tend to have clay soil, and cacti need sand because of the way their roots grow and how the sand in the deserts retain the water, and clay might affect the cacti.
What would you call the plants that can survive scarcity of water?
Cacti, succulents.
Can a cactus survive in the dry alpine?
No, most alpine areas are entirely too cold for most cacti to survive.
Describe one extra functions of cacti swollen and green stems. Explain how it helps cacti survive in the desert?
they store water and reduce transpiration
What does cacti mean?
"Cacti" is the plural form of "cactus," which refers to a type of plant known for its thick, fleshy stems and spines. Cacti are adapted to arid environments and are able to store water in their stems to survive in dry conditions.
Which plants grow without seeds?
cacti ; ferns ; and pine trees these can survive by growing spores.
How do people in the Sahara survive?
they learn technics to survive and they know where to find water and food like cutting cacti (cactus') and getting water from inside.
