Cactuses are adapted to living in the desert and they can store lots of water. They have spikes to protect themselves from predators. Cactuses are adapted to the desert as that is where they grow and therefore they need special features to live in that enviriment. Over time the cactus has adapted to hot, desert conditions which means that they can live in the desert without needing lots of water.
A cactus has to stand very dry, hot and cold temperatures. They have adapted over time to be able to survive in there climate. They do not lose much water; because their leaves have shrunk some . Most cactuses have a group of widely spread out shallow roots so that they can soak up the water quickly when it rains. In the hot desert this means they can take any water. The skin of the stem is waxy to reduce water loss. The prickly leaves on a cactus mean they cannot be eaten by animals. Lots of water is stored in the stem so that there is always a store when it is very dry. Cactuses in the past would have had leaves and their roots would not be as long. Today however the cactus needs these features to survive in its habitat. In the desert there are few plants as over time plants have lost the battle of survival.
A cactus has to stand very dry, hot and cold temperatures. They have adapted over time to be able to survive in there climate. They do not lose much water; because their leaves have shrunk some . Most cactuses have a group of widely spread out shallow roots so that they can soak up the water quickly when it rains. In the hot desert this means they can take any water. The skin of the stem is waxy to reduce water loss. The prickly leaves on a cactus mean they cannot be eaten by animals. Lots of water is stored in the stem so that there is always a store when it is very dry. Cactuses in the past would have had leaves and their roots would not be as long. Today however the cactus needs these features to survive in its habitat. In the desert there are few plants as over time plants have lost the battle of survival.