Cactus is a desert plant. To minimise loss of water it does not have l...
Plants have modified features according to habitats
Plants have the incredible ability to adapt to different environments and habitats. They develop various modifications that help them survive in their specific surroundings. One such example is the cactus, which is a desert plant. Let's explore how the cactus has modified features according to its habitat.
Minimizing water loss
One of the key adaptations of a cactus is the absence of leaves. Leaves are important organs in plants for photosynthesis, but they also have tiny openings called stomata that allow water vapor to escape. In a desert environment where water is scarce, losing water through stomata would be detrimental to the survival of the plant. Therefore, cacti have evolved to minimize water loss by eliminating or reducing their leaves.
Green and waxy stem
Instead of leaves, cacti have a green and waxy stem that performs the function of photosynthesis. This stem is referred to as a "phylloclade." The green color is due to the presence of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it into energy through photosynthesis. The waxy coating on the stem helps to reduce water loss by providing a protective barrier against evaporation.
Preparing food
The stem of a cactus not only serves as a site for photosynthesis but also acts as a storage organ for water and nutrients. Cacti have the ability to store large amounts of water within their fleshy stems, allowing them to survive in arid environments where water is scarce. This stored water is utilized during periods of drought to sustain the plant's metabolic activities.
Conclusion
The adaptation of cacti to their desert habitat is a remarkable example of how plants modify their features to survive in harsh environments. The absence of leaves, the presence of a green and waxy stem, and the ability to store water are all modifications that enable cacti to minimize water loss and thrive in arid conditions. This demonstrates the incredible ability of plants to adapt and survive in different habitats. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B': plants have modified features according to habitats.
Cactus is a desert plant. To minimise loss of water it does not have l...
Plant have modified features according to habitat
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