cactus
Definition
Cactus is a type of plant that is a member of the Cactaceae family.
Cacti are found in the Americas, and they are adapted to living in hot, dry environments.
Cacti have thick, fleshy stems that store water, and they often have spines to protect themselves from animals. The spines of cacti are modified leaves that help to reduce water loss. Cacti also have a waxy coating on their stems that helps to prevent water loss.
Cacti are a diverse group of plants, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours.
How can the word be used?
There are many different types of cacti, including saguaro cacti, prickly pear cacti, and barrel cacti.
Different forms of the word
Singular: The singular form of "cactus" is "cactus." For example, "I saw a cactus in the desert.".
Plural: The plural form of "cactus" is "cacti." For example, "There were many cacti in the desert.".
Possessive: The possessive form of "cactus" is "cactus's." For example, "That cactus's spines are very sharp.".
Etymology
The word "cactus" comes from the Latin word "cactus," which was borrowed from the Ancient Greek word "κάκτος" (káktos). The Greek word is thought to have originated in a pre-Greek language, but its exact origin is unknown.
Question
Where might you find cactus growing?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define a "cactus" in the context of plants and describe one significant adaptation that helps cacti survive in arid environments.
Answer:
A "cactus" is a type of succulent plant belonging to the family Cactaceae, known for its ability to thrive in arid and dry environments.
One Significant Adaptation of Cacti:
One significant adaptation of cacti is their ability to store water. Cacti have thick, fleshy stems that serve as water reservoirs, enabling them to store large amounts of water during periods of rain or high humidity. This water storage adaptation helps cacti survive in arid environments with limited water availability. When the climate becomes dry, cacti can draw upon these water reserves to sustain themselves, allowing them to endure prolonged periods of drought. This unique adaptation makes cacti well-suited to survive in hot and arid regions, where other plants would struggle due to water scarcity.