Question

why are leaves converted into spines in the cactus plant​

Answer 1

Answer :-

Cactus grows in desert environment, where there is scarcity of water. The leaves of cactus are modified into spines, to prevent water loss from the surface of leaves. The green stem of the cactus plant contains chlorophyll. Thus, the stem is the centre of photosynthesis in the cactus plants instead of the leaves.

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Answer 2

Answer:

1

Spines are modified leaves which have less surface area.

Plants lose water through their leaves. In deserts, that is something that plants should avoid, so that they can store water. Thus, spines lose less water and are more advantageous in dry climates.

2

That makes the plant a source of water desired by some animals. In plants like cactuses, the pointy spines hurt any animal that attempts to take a bite of that cactus. Thus, spines are also a defense mechanism of some plants.