NCERT Question 2 - Chapter 9 Class 6 - The Living Organisms - Characterstics and Habitats

How are cactus adapted to survive in a desert?

Answer:

The plants which grow in the desert are adapted to the hot environment and hence cactus also has some unique features which help it to survive in the desert.

1. Cactus has spines in place of leaves which helps in reducing loss of water from the leaves through transpiration.
2. The leaf-like structure in cactus is actually its stem. It is green and performs photosynthesis.
3. Its roots go very deep in the soil for absorbing water.
4. The stem is covered with a thick waxy layer , which helps to retain water.