Question

Which of the following characteristics of cactus allows it to survive in desert?

• A. Presence of small needle like leaves.
• B. Presence of fleshy stems.
• C. Presence of thin and slender leaves.
• D. Presence of thick waxy layer on the stems.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

The correct options are
A Presence of small needle like leaves.
B Presence of fleshy stems.
D Presence of thick waxy layer on the stems.

Cactus is a desert plant. It shows various adaptations in its leaves, stem and body parts. These plants are leafless, or their leaves are modified into thorns. Such structure helps them to conserve water by minimising the water lost through transpiration. The roots of cactus penetrate deep into the soil to obtain water. They have a waxy coating on their green and fleshy stem which again minimises water loss.