Desert plants like cacti have thick, fleshy green stems while their leaves are modified into sharp spines.…
Desert plants like cacti have thick, fleshy green stems while their leaves are modified into sharp spines. What is the main purpose of this leaf modification?
To attract insects for cross-pollination
To store excess starch produced during photosynthesis
To prevent water loss through transpiration
To absorb water vapor directly from dry air
Solution
Modifying leaves into spines reduces the surface area drastically, preventing excess water loss via transpiration in hot, dry desert habitats.