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Cacti have spikes to use as their defense mechanism to animals that may try to eat them. The spikes deter the animals by pricking them in the nose and mouth putting them off trying to eat it. The spikes also help collect water vapor by increasing the plant's surface area and the spikes also help stop transpiration loss of water through pores.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThere are several answers, depending on the spikes. Answers include:
- To protect the plant from herbivores
- To provide a layer of still air, to protect the cactus skin from excessive heat
- To provide shade to the cactus skin
Overall, the purpose seems to be related in some way to the plant's survival strategies.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoI think it is a defense mechanism they have evolved to deter animals from browsing/ eating them- spikes have a lower energetic cost than leaves as they have a smaller surface area, which means that the cactus loses less water through transpiration (very important to conserve water in hot, dry places!)
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoWiki User
∙ 14y agoa cactus has spiny leaves for protection and so the water wont evaporate so easily.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoPrickly Pear Cactus, also known as Nopal Cactus.
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoTo protect them from being eaten
Anonymous
A cactus has spiny leaves so that water doesn't evaporate easily and it can use water for photosynthesis .
Dhruvi Upadheyay
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Does a cactus have a thorn?
No, a cactus does not have a thorn. A cactus has spines.
What is a cactus cat?
A cactus cat is a bobcat-like creature in North American folklore, said to be covered in spines like a porcupine and to slash cacti at night.
Why cactus plant have spines?
they have the spines to protect them from your face
What do you call the sharp point on cactus stems?
The pointy things on a cactus are called spines.
How do the spines on a cactus help it survive?
Spines: Spines help the cactus in several ways. The most obvious use of the spines is for protection against foragers. The cactus basically states "How much pain are you willing to indure to get a drink in this desert?"; Surprisingly, some animals do partake. In some cactus varieties the spines participate in water collection. Water from dew condenses on spines and, in some cactus species, downward-pointing spines help to direct rainwater to the roots of the plant. Spines help to reflect light away from the cactus stem theoretically lowering the stem temperature. Some spines also trap in a layer of air next to the cactus stem preventing loss of water via evaporative cooling.
How do pricky pear cactus plants survive?
One way that the prickly pear cactus [Opuntia spp] survives is by its defense mechanisms. It has branching or fleshy stems that are covered with barbed spines and bristles. The spines are difficult to remove once lodged in someone or something other than the cactus because of the barbs. Both the spines and the bristles are uncomfortable if not downright painful to whatsoever or whomsoever gets in their way.
Can a cactus shoot its spikes at animals?
There is no cactus capable of shooting its spines.
How have leaves of a cactus adapt to the desert?
Leaves have evolved into spines on the cactus.
Are cactus spines alive?
Yes, cactus spines are living parts of the cactus plant. They owe their existence to growth buds on the plant's surface. From the growth buds also come a cactus plant's flowers.
What structural adaptations would you notice on a cactus?
The structural adaptations you would notice on a cactus are the spines on it. The spines are there so they don't loose water.
What are the quills attached to on a cactus?
The 'spines' of a cactus attach directly to the stem of the plant.
What do all cacti have?
All cactus have spines.
