2006-10-13 10:21:19 · 22 answers · asked by STORMY K 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Botany
The needles are actually called spines. They cactus can grow in places other than the desert (my nan has several) and where they grow (except prehaps in the desert) it rains, and the spines have a waxy cuticle which allows them to trap water and store it in it's thick trunk. The spines are also used to ward of predators in search of water. They can store quite a bit of water but the amount depends on the size of the cacti.
2006-10-13 10:33:52 · answer #1 · answered by Kit 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To protect them from predators that might eat them for the water that they store up. Cacti grow in desert (arid) areas where animals and plants alike are in competition for what little water is available. Though there are some animals that don't mind the spikes...some small birds will nest in cacti patches because it's a natural defense for them from larger predators. :-)
2006-10-13 10:23:05 · answer #2 · answered by Molly M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is extra questions! I nevertheless have about 35 spines below the exterior of the palm of my hand the position the healthcare professional in E.R broke them because she replaced into attempting to apply pointed tweezers rather of flat part and pulling them. I had bumped off 50 to 70 yet necessary brighter basic as i might want to no longer see except to carry in course of the basic and at age 80 5, i might want to no longer carry the magnifying glass, the basic and use the tweezers. i replaced into despatched residing house from ER with instructions to soak 4 x on a daily basis in Epsom Salts answer and enable them fester and they could ultimately paintings their way out. Does all of us have a extra constructive idea?" i like the black salve idea, replaced into it Denver airborne dirt and mud?
2016-12-04 19:25:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as a defense mechanism to keep animals from eating them and as a way to conserve moisture, consider the needles small thin leaves.
2006-10-13 10:23:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are natures way of allowing the plant to protect itself and keep its water supply. the needles make it difficult for animals and birds to eat the plant there by getting its water and killing the plant
2006-10-13 10:25:08 · answer #5 · answered by hardly_d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To protect the plant so animals don't break them open and drink the water inside killing the plant
2006-10-13 10:22:50 · answer #6 · answered by GD-Fan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To deter perching and eating and generally messing around with the plant.
2006-10-13 10:26:01 · answer #7 · answered by FrogDog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Essentially to make them virtually impossible to be eaten by any species of desert animal.
2006-10-13 10:24:57 · answer #8 · answered by oceansoflight777 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To protect them from being eaten by animals.
2006-10-13 10:22:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a protection adaptation
2006-10-13 10:22:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋