Question

Write the adaptations found in desert plants like prickly pear.

Answer 1

Adaptations of desert plants like prickly pear are:-

1. The habitat of prickly pear is very harsh.
2. The leaves are modified into spines. The spiny leaves reduce water loss through transpiration.
3. The stems are green, thick, and fleshy. The green stem carries out photosynthesis. The fleshy stem stores water to make up for low rainfall.
4. The leaves have stomata that are sunken.
5. This plant has a waxy coating on its leaves and stems. This waxy coating helps reduce water loss.
6. The stomata are closed during the day to reduce water loss. Carbon dioxide for photosynthesis is collected during the night. This is done by the opening of the stomata during night.