Question

what do cacti have instead of leaves

Answer 1

Explanation:

Instead of leaves, most cacti have spines or scales (which are modified leaves). These spines and scales do not lose water through evaporation (unlike regular leaves, which lose a lot of water). The spines protect the cactus from predators (animals that would like to eat the cactus to obtain food and/or water).

Answer 2

Answer:

Cacti have spines instead of leaves beacause are better at conserving water in a desert environment

Explanation:

Spines, scientifically speaking, are different from thorns. Where thorns are modified stems, and are usually found alongside leaves, spines are actually highly modified leaves.

This shows just how good cacti have gotten at desert survival! Regular leafy plants lose a lot of moisture through their leaves, and in the desert, where every drop counts, cacti needed something a little different.

Over time, their leaves adapted to be smaller and tougher until they stopped carrying water altogether.

Limited water circulation means limited water loss, making tough, tiny spines the perfect alternative to typical leaves.