Which of the following adaptations will help a cactus to survive in a desert?

1. Waxy layer over thick stem.
2. Modification of leaves into spines.
3. Presence of short roots.

1. 1 and 2
2. 1, 2 and 3
3. 2 and 3
4. 1 and 3

Complete the following sentences with the help of the given words: waxy, spines, stem, absent, transpiration

(1) In a cactus plant, the leaves are either ___ or reduced to spines and these help plants to reduce water loss through ___.

(2) ___ performs photosynthesis in the cactus plant.

(3) Stem is covered with a thick ___ layer to retain water.

The thick and waxy stem in cactus plant helps in:

a. It has a flat green stem to store water and prepare food by photosynthesis.
b. The stem is covered with a thick layer of waxy substance, which helps to prevent evaporation of water.
c. The roots are distributed on the surface to absorb water.
d. Leaves are modified into spines to prevent loss of water.