Why do plants grow hairs and spines? The hairs and spines that grow on desert plants help reduce moisture loss by breaking the effects of the wind . They also help to cast small shadows on other desert plants, which can protect them from the sun.
Why do cactus have thorns and not leaves?
Most cacti do not have leaves because they grow in a hot, dry environment, with little water . ... Cacti have adapted by being leafless, storing water in their stems, developing waxy skin to seal in moisture, and growing spines, a form of leaf modification.
Why desert plants have thorns instead of leaves?
Other plants lose moisture through their pores which they have on their leaves and stem. ... So, these desert plants need to avoid those pores so as to lock the minimum levels of moisture they have. Hence, these leaves don't have pores and the leaves become hard with dry spines or thorns.
Why do they grow spines instead of leaves?
because they don't have to lose waters(transpiration) so they have modified their leafs into spines like theory of modification of human species along with the factors.
Which plant can live in a desert and has spines?
An iconic desert cactus is the prickly pear with green, pad-like succulent leaves that are covered in spines. These are some of the most common desert plants found in the Southwestern United States. The thick, fleshy leaves store a lot of moisture, which helps the plant survive the desert ecosystem.
Which plants have thorns instead of leaves?
Desert plants have thorns instead of leaves so that they can prevent loss of water through transpiration.
What do cacti have instead of leaves?
Instead of leaves, most cacti have spines or scales (which are modified leaves) . These spines and scales do not lose water through evaporation (unlike regular leaves, which lose a lot of water). The spines protect the cactus from predators (animals that would like to eat the cactus to obtain food and/or water).
What is the advantage of waxy leaves for desert plants?
The leaves and stems of many desert plants have a thick, waxy covering. This waxy substance does not cover the stomata, but it covers most of the leaves, keeping the plants cooler and reducing evaporative loss . Small leaves on desert plants also help reduce moisture loss during transpiration.
Which plant has the largest leaves?
The specific palm trees sporting the world's biggest leaves belong to the Raphia genus, with the crown going to Raphia regalis, which is native to some African countries. Each leaf may be up to 80 feet long and 10 feet wide... taller than many trees! Raffia fibers are collected from the leaves on these trees.
Which plants leaves are reduced to spines?
The leaves of ‘cactus ‘ are reduced to ‘spines' to prevent the loss of water by transpiration. EXPLANATION: Leaves lose water by the process of transpiration but cactus grows in deserts and cannot afford to lose water. The spines of the cactus store water.
Why are spines better than leaves in the desert?
The greener part of the bottom part of a leaf has a minimum activity which helps the plant to survive. The spikes cover the pores as well defend themselves from getting nibbled. ... Desert plants need to use the little water they have frugally. Even their growth rate is very slow compared the normal plants.
Is aloe vera a modified leaf?
Aloe Vera Leaves
Aloe vera leaf modification allows the plant to store water and thrive in dry climates. The leaves of the aloe vera plant are thick. A large amount of pulp inside the leaf stores both water and nutrients for the plant to thrive, advises the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse.
Which plant does not grow in desert?
Plants do not grow in desert regions because of inadequate rainfall and unfavourable climatic conditions . Still some plants are there who adapt themselves even to such harsh conditions . For example cactus , pine etc .
Which of the following is the best example of desert plant?
Cactus is one of the plant that can survive the harsh and drought conditions in desert. It has needle like leaves to prevent transpiration & its roots can go deep below the ground to fetch water .
Is aloe vera a desert plant?
Aloe vera is the most prolific desert plant in my garden! Under the right conditions, you won't even have to water these succulent beauties. ... Remember, it's a desert plant so native soil is fine so long as it drains and in a pot- a cactus mix will do the trick.
Which leaves have thorns in them?
Some of the examples of plants which show the presence of thorns are Bougainvillea, Duranta, and climbing Rose . Additional information: The leaves, stipules, or parts of leaves are modified into spines. Spines are further described as petiolar spines, leaflet spines, and stipular spines.
