2007-08-17 17:57:46 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Kerriwyn has it right about the transpiration factor.
The thorns have evolved as this plant's type of leaf and therefore
has a minimum amount of surface area.
Protection against herbivores is obvious.
Now go read about transpiration.
2007-08-17 18:14:34 · answer #1 · answered by B C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a defense mechanism to protect it's skin to stay alive long enough to mature, flower and reproduce with the help of bees and birds. Without the spines the cacti would have no defense to last long enough to complete this cycle of life.
2007-08-18 01:06:55 · answer #2 · answered by m3curyr1s1ng 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to:
http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/Laboratories/Transpiration/transpiration_main.htm
and scroll down to about the sixth paragraph where they discuss catus specifically. It discusses transpiration and the photosynthesis and how the catus handles it all in the desert climate. Good stuff there.
2007-08-18 02:04:38 · answer #3 · answered by taylor5198 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's to protect them from predators. Also helps to reduce transpiration. (I think) But I know the first part is right! lol
2007-08-18 01:02:15 · answer #4 · answered by kerriwyn13 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they love you, and want to leave a piece of themselves with you when you hug them.
2007-08-18 01:59:11 · answer #5 · answered by bahbdorje 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
protection from animals that might want to eat it and prevention of water loss
2007-08-18 01:02:06 · answer #6 · answered by moody :): 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it doesn't want you touching it.
2007-08-18 01:07:33 · answer #7 · answered by chicken 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋