Question

Which of the following is a function of the spines in cactus?

• A. Spines check the loss of water from the plant body
• B. Spines protect the plant from herbivores feeding on them
• C. Spines help the plant is climbing
• D. Spines help the plant to trap insects

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The correct options are
A

Spines check the loss of water from the plant body

B

Spines protect the plant from herbivores feeding on them

In xerophytic plants like cacti and Opuntia, the leaves are modified into spines. These spines check the loss of water from the plant body and thus help the plant to conserve water. The spines also deter the herbivores feeding on the cactus. Tendrils are the leaf modifications that help the plant in climbing. In some plants like Venus flytrap, the leaves are modified to trap insects.