Mary Allen
Introduction: the mystery of cactus survival
Cacti are known for their ability to survive in dry and harsh environments, but one of the most fascinating aspects of their survival is the fact that they are not eaten by animals. In contrast to other plants, which have evolved various strategies to deter herbivores, cacti seem to rely solely on their prickly spines to keep predators at bay. This raises the question: why don’t animals eat cactus?
Anatomy of a cactus: what makes it so prickly?
Cacti are succulent plants that belong to the family Cactaceae. They have a unique morphology, with thick, fleshy stems that are adapted to store water, as well as spines and thorns that grow from specialized structures called areoles. The spines and thorns are the most distinctive feature of cacti, and they play a crucial role in protecting the plant from predators. The spines are actually modified leaves, and they can range in size from tiny hair-like structures to large, menacing spikes. Thorns, on the other hand, are modified branches, and they are usually shorter and more numerous than spines. Both spines and thorns are extremely hard and sharp, and they can cause serious injury to any animal that tries to eat the cactus. In addition to spines and thorns, cacti also produce a sticky sap that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of animals.