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Explanation:

The needle-like leaves of the cactus plant help it to grow in the desert because they reduce the rate of water loss to evaporation. Here is a detailed explanation of how the needle-like leaves act as an adaptation for desert survival:

1. Reducing water loss:
- The desert is an extremely dry environment with limited water availability. One of the main challenges for plants in the desert is to conserve water.
- Cactus plants have evolved specialized adaptations to reduce water loss through transpiration, which is the process by which water is lost through the leaves.
- The needle-like leaves of cacti have a smaller surface area compared to broad leaves of other plants. This reduces the exposure of the leaf surface to the hot, dry desert air, minimizing the amount of water that can be lost through evaporation.
- The reduced surface area of the needle-like leaves helps to conserve water by minimizing transpiration.

2. Spines for protection:
- The needle-like leaves of cacti are actually modified spines that serve multiple purposes, including protection.
- The sharp spines deter animals from feeding on the cactus plants, preventing damage and water loss.
- Animals that come into contact with the spines are discouraged from approaching the plant, which helps to protect it from herbivory.
- The spines also provide shade to the surface of the cactus, reducing the amount of direct sunlight that reaches the plant and further reducing water loss through evaporation.

3. Adaptation to harsh conditions:
- The needle-like leaves of cacti are well-suited to the harsh desert conditions, where water is scarce and temperatures can be extreme.
- The reduced leaf surface area and the presence of spines help the cactus to survive in desert environments where water is limited and evaporation rates are high.
- By reducing water loss and protecting the plant from animals and excessive sunlight, the needle-like leaves enable the cactus to thrive in arid environments.

In conclusion, the needle-like leaves of the cactus plant help it to grow in the desert primarily by reducing the rate of water loss to evaporation. The leaves have a smaller surface area, minimizing transpiration, and the spines protect the plant from herbivory and excessive sunlight. These adaptations allow cacti to survive and thrive in the harsh desert conditions.