Question

How could a cactus adapt to its dry environment?

Answer 1

A cactus may be a member of the family Cactaceae, a family comprising about 127 genera with some 1750 known species of the Caryophyllales. The word "cactus" derives, through Latin, from the traditional Greek kaktos, a reputation originally employed by Theophrastus for a spiny plant whose identity is not certain.

Complete answer:
The primary reason why cacti survive therein ecosystem is due to their numerous adaptations, which include:

1. The leaves of this plant are reduced to needle-like structures mentioned as spines that limit water loss, which could occur during the method of transpiration. The needle-like leaves act as a self-defense mechanism that protects the plant from predators.
2. The stem of the cactus plant is swollen and contains numerous collapsible water-storage cells that store water for a comparatively long period. The stem is green and performs photosynthesis. The plant features a shallow rootage that absorbs maximum water even during light showers. The plant is roofed with a thick waxy cuticle that helps to conserve water and protect it from desiccation within the scorching heat.
   The Cactaceae is one among the foremost easily recognizable plant families within the world. Its beautiful blossoms, thick stems, and weird shape attract many of us to the desert annually. Cacti have a good range of unique characteristics that help it to endure hot temperatures and a limited water system.

Note:
Although cacti are synonymous with the desert, they will even be found in some unlikely places like the tropical regions of South America, Mexico, and a few Caribbean Islands. Typically, cacti can survive for several years within the drought conditions that have little and infrequent rainfall.