Question

In a cactus the leaves are modified to be in the form of pricks or spines.

(i) To protect itself from animals.

(ii) Reduced surface area which in turn prevents loss of water.

Are both the statements (i) and (ii) True?

• A. (i) is True (ii) is False
• B. (i) is False (ii) is True
• C. (i) is True (ii) is True
• D. (i) is False (ii) is False

Answer 1

The correct option is C

(i) is True

(ii) is True

Both the reasons are true.

The pricks or spines serve as a form of protection. The surface of cactus is filled with tiny pricks or spines, which are technically modified leaves. This adaptation is so that surface area is reduced which in turn prevents loss of water by transpiration. This is very important as cacti grow in deserts and water availability is very less in deserts.