How is the prickly pear cactus adapted to desert life?

Answer 1

v They are covered in a waxy substance that helps them keep water under the 'skin' of the plant.

v Theirs 'leaves' are in the shape of needles which helps them retain water as it has less surface area. They also act as self defence to stop animals from eating them.

Hope this helps =)

Answer 2

The prickly pear cactus [Opuntia spp] is adapted to desert life because of its modified body parts and functions. For example, its thickened outer stemmoves, processes, and stores nutrient solutions and photosynthetic products. The responsibility for storage tends to be taken up by the roots in many plants. But the cactus plants of the desert save on energy by having above ground all that's needed for the energizing food making interaction of photosynthesis with sunlight. Its spreading, shallow, fibrous roots anchor the plant in the ground, hold the soil together, and take in dissolved nutrients and water. Its modified leaves are in the form of long hairs to protect the stem from predators and the excesses of desert heat and light. The hairs also direct any moisture - in the form of dew, fog, or rainfall - to the ground, for adding to soil moisture levels and for intake by the plant's roots. Its colorful flowersattract pollinators, for the plant to have fruits and thereby seeds. The seeds drop naturally to the ground, or are spread by predatory birds and rodents.

Answer 3

The prickly pear survives in a variety of biomes, including the desert. It can be found in grasslands, some forests and even in the tropics.

Answer 4

well first they grow spikes and then they go to the desert to find a male and then they make babies but cacti have to have dry soil to thrive on!

Answer 5

Succulents are able to store water in their fleshy leaves and stems.

Answer 6

waxy outer layer to keep moisture in.