What is the main reason why the leaves in a cactus are reduced to spines?

To reduce the loss of water.

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For protection from predators.

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So that larger surface area of the stem is exposed.

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None of the above.

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Solution

The correct option is A
To reduce the loss of water.

Leaves are reduced to spines in order to reduce the loss of water from the surface of leaves.

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Similar questions

Why are the leaves reduced to spines in the cactus?

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?

Assertion (A): In Cactus, leaves are reduced to small spines with less surface area.
Reason (R): Spines helps in preventing the cactus from losing water through evaporation.

Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

Statement 1: The leaves in a cactus are modified into spines.

Statement 2: Thick waxy stem and spines reduces water loss through transpiration in a cactus.

Q. Consider the following statements about cactus:
1. The leaves are reduced to spines.
2. The stem does the photosynthesis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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What is the main reason why the leaves in a cactus are reduced to spines?

The correct option is A To reduce the loss of water. Leaves are reduced to spines in order to reduce the loss of water from the surface of leaves.

The correct option is A
To reduce the loss of water.

Leaves are reduced to spines in order to reduce the loss of water from the surface of leaves.