Why do cacti have spines?

Why do cacti have spines?




 Why do cacti have spines?


  Cactus, that spikey plant which lives in arid deserts. But they don't have leaves. They have spines instead. Why? Let's see. 

  Spines help cacti to reduce transpiration. Transpiration is the loss of water from ariel parts, like stems and leaves, in the form of water vapor. These ariel parts contain stomata which allow water vapor to escape into the atmosphere.

  In deserts, where cactus usually grows, there is scarcity of water. Also, due to high temperatures, the rate of transpiration is very high. Thus, the leaves of a cactus have modified into spines. Thus, the rate of transpiration is reduced, helping the cactus to save water.

  Moreover, animals in deserts try to find water. Having spines, will protect cacti from being the food of animals and humans like Bear Grylls ofcourse!
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