Question
(a) What is adaptation? (b) What are the adaptations observed in cactus (xerophyte) ?
Answer
(a) Adaptation refers to the process by which an organism becomes better suited to its environment, allowing it to survive and reproduce.
(b) The adaptations observed in cactus (xerophyte) are:
- Spines: The leaves of cactus have been modified into spines to reduce water loss due to transpiration. These spines also act as a defense mechanism against herbivores.
- Thick cuticle: The epidermis of the cactus plant is covered with a thick cuticle layer to reduce water loss due to transpiration.
- Phylloclades: Some cactus species have modified their stems into flattened, leaf-like structures called phylloclades. These structures allow for photosynthesis to occur in the absence of leaves, reducing water loss due to transpiration.
