Question

Why do cactii growing in deserts have leaves modified to spines ?which part of the cactus then performs photosynthesis

Answer 1

Hey there! Here's your required answer.



Cacti growing in deserts have leaves modifies into spines for the following reasons :-

✭ To prevent water loss : A large amount is lost on plants due to the process of transpiration. So to prevent this desert plants have spines instead of leaves.

✭ For protection : Deserts plants have spines to protect themselves from being eaten by desert animals like camels etc.

Because leaves in cactus plants are reduced to spines, STEMS of such plants is modified to perform photosynthesis. Stems of cacti are green and fleshy (contains water) for this process.