Cacti are a class of plants that have adapted to desert environments, and their survival strategies in the desert are very unique. Here are some of the key factors and strategies on how cacti survive in the desert.
1.Store moisture.
Water is very scarce in desert environments, and cacti adapt to this environment by storing water. The stem of the cactus has a layer of wax on the surface that protects it from dehydration caused by strong sunlight. In addition, this layer of wax slows down the evaporation of water from the plant's body, helping it resist drought.
The leaves of cacti are also very special and usually take on a flat shape, which reduces the rate at which water evaporates. The cactus leaves are also covered with a layer of tiny spines, which not only prevent animals from eating them, but also reduce the rate at which water evaporates.
2.Adapt to high temperature environments.
The temperature in the desert environment is very high, and cacti survive by adapting to the high temperatures. Cacti usually have smaller leaves, which reduces heat absorption, and their leaves are covered with a layer of wax that prevents water from evaporating too quickly.
Cacti are also able to adapt to high temperatures by regulating their own metabolism. They can photosynthesize at night, which protects them from heat waves during the daytime heat. In addition, cacti are also able to adapt to high temperatures by adjusting their own temperature, such as lowering their temperature at night, so as to maintain normal metabolism.
3.Adaptation to low-nutrient environments.
Soils in desert environments are often deficient in nutrients, and cacti survive by adapting to low-nutrient environments. The root system of the cactus is so large that it can stretch several feet around it to fully absorb water and nutrients. In addition, the stems and leaves of cacti also contain a certain amount of nutrients to meet their own needs.
Cacti are also able to obtain nutrients by breaking down their own tissues. They can break down their own leaves and stems into nutrients and deliver them to their roots and other sites. This decomposition process is called autolysis and is one of the important strategies for cacti to adapt to a low-nutrient environment.
4.Adapt to strong winds.
The wind speed in the desert environment is very high, and the cactus survives by adapting to the strong wind environment. The surface of the stem of the cactus is covered.
The stem of the cactus is covered with a thick layer of thorns, which effectively reduces the effect of wind speed on the plant. In addition, the stems of cacti are also able to bend to avoid being blown over by the wind. When the wind blows, the cactus stems are able to bend quickly to reduce the force of the wind.
Cacti are also able to adapt to strong winds by adjusting their growth rate. In strong winds, cacti grow slower, but this reduces damage to the plant. In addition, cacti are able to adapt to strong winds by adjusting the direction of their growth. They usually orient their stems towards the wind to reduce the amount of wind they receive.
5.Adapt to low-light environments.
The light intensity is lower in the desert environment, and the cactus survives by adapting to the low-light environment. Cacti usually have smaller leaves, which reduces the amount of light absorbed, and their leaves are covered with a layer of wax that prevents water from evaporating too quickly.
Cacti are also able to adapt to low-light environments by regulating their own photosynthesis. They can photosynthesize at night, which allows them to photosynthesize using light in low-light environments. In addition, cacti are also able to adapt to low-light environments by adjusting their photosynthetic intensity. They usually increase their photosynthesis intensity when the light is low to get more energy.
In conclusion, cacti adapt to desert environments through a variety of adaptation strategies, including storing water, adapting to high temperatures, adapting to low nutrient environments, adapting to strong winds, and adapting to low light environments. These adaptation strategies make cacti the best in the desert and provide important inspiration for other plants. Autumn and Winter Check-in Challenge