Consider the following statements about cactus :
- 1. The leaves are reduced to spines.
- 2. The stem does the photosynthesis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
– Statement 1 is correct: Reduction of leaves to spines is a key adaptation of cacti to reduce surface area and thus water loss through transpiration in hot, dry climates. Spines also deter herbivores.
– Statement 2 is correct: Cacti stems contain chlorophyll and are the primary sites of photosynthesis in the absence of significant leaf area. They are also succulent, storing water.