Description. Question 3. ... Adaptations. Played 79 times. Cacti show many 'adaptations' to conserve water during long dry periods. Share practice link . Its solitary white or yellowish white flowers open in the daytime. The cortical layer, or cortex, of a plant stem is the area just inside the outer layer of cells known as the epidermis, and the cortical layer of cacti is unique among plants in having an inner region that serves as a water reservoir, where walls of the water-holding cells are thin and flexible. The desert is a dry area with scarcity of waters thus the plants there have small leaves and many spines which help them to conserve water. Living Together . Everything You Need To Know. Spines grow from specialized structures called areoles, and defend the cactus from water-seeking animals. This is where the organism meets its basic need for its survival: food, water, shelter from the weather and place to breed its younglings. It must seek sources of protein outside the normal plant uptake process. Homework. Note that not all cacti are desert cacti, as there is a group of cacti known as jungle cacti that grow in tropical rainforests, which includes the Christmas cactus, epiphytic cacti such as Rhipsalis, and the night-blooming Hylocereus. Other Sciences. Succulent Care tips, Top 7 Best Succulents You Need in Your Succulent Garden, 16 Types of Succulents You Can Add to Your Garden, Why Do My Air Plants Keep Dying? Cactus adaptations Plant adaptations in desert ID: 1261339 Language: English School subject: Science Grade/level: grade4 Age: 7-12 Main content: Adaptations Other contents: Plant adaptation Add to my workbooks (11) Download file pdf Embed in my website or blog Add to Google Classroom Add to Microsoft Teams Share through Whatsapp: Link to this worksheet: Copy: Sush2688 Finish!! A power point detailing animal adaptations to their environment (marine, cold and hot climates). Most of the time they breed during the winter. Such adaptations of desert plants are described below. The lava cactus is a species of cactus, Brachycereus nesioticus, the sole species of the genus Brachycereus. Their heights vary between 1 meter to 10 meters. Finish Editing. Read more Read less. Some plants avoid dry conditions by completing their life cycle before desert conditions intensify. Most cactus stems have a pleated surface. We also find snow, desert, forest, grassland, pond, rivers and lakes. They may be covered with protuberances known as tubercles, or the tubercles may be lined up and fused together to form ribs. Hi, I’m Andrew, and Smart Garden Guide is my website all about indoor gardening and houseplants. The word "cactus" derives, through Latin, from the Ancient Greek κάκτος, kaktos, a name originally used by Theophrastusfor a spiny plant whose identity is now not certain. These features are called adaptations. Although not all cacti are leafless, the species with leaves are limited to a small number of cacti belonging to three groups of quite unusual cacti: the genera Pereskia and Maihuenia and the subfamily Opuntioideae. There are two features of desert cactus roots that give them the ability to do this. Reproduction: Cacti are flowering plants. Even the ability of our body to produce hydrochloric acid to digest food is considered as a physiological adaptation. In short, cacti are extremely well adapted to dry environments—they are xerophytes. Cacti have many adaptations for living in places that are sometimes dry for a long time. Played 79 times. The spine clusters they produce may have central and radial spines as well as different types of spines, often including many small hairs or the tiny, vicious, barbed spines known as glochids. They can be long or short, stout and spiky or fine and hair-like, bristly, woolly, needle-like, barbed, hooked, straight, or curved. The spines protect the cactus from predators (animals that would like to eat the cactus to obtain food and/or water). cactus adaptations in the desert. An adaptation is a trait in a living organism that helps it to survive, populate and evolve. The thorns on a cactus are there to reduce transpiration this means less water is lost. Since they have less green tissue and are already such slow growers, having animals chomping off parts can cause significant setbacks to their growth that may eventually lead to the plant’s demise. Living things are adapted to their habitats. Enjoy your stay at Smart Garden Guide. But cactus spines could hardly be more different from regular leaves – not only in appearance but also in function and makeup, since spines consist of hard fibers made largely of dead cells, as opposed to the living cells in green leaves that generate food for the plant through photosynthesis. December 9, 2020 In Uncategorized. The Saguaro cactus just like other cactus has numerous characteristics which enables it to survive in its native desert habitat. Solo Practice. A few members of the spine-cactus family have rudimentary leaves which fall off once the cactus has matured. 4th grade . While Mexico's national coat of arms shows an eagle, a snake, and a cactus. It also prevents loss of water. These spines come in many shapes and sizes. An adaptation is a trait in a living organism that helps it to survive, populate and evolve. Whenever there is rain, fog, mist, or dew, the moisture in the atmosphere condenses on the spines and then drips down to the base of the plant, where the cactus’s shallow roots absorb it. Despite the common perception of cacti growing in deep deserts, many types of cacti can grow in many climates throughout the world. In addition to warding off herbivores, desert plants also need to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun, which include sunburn damage to the outer surface from light that’s too intense, chlorophyll bleaching, permanent damage to the plant’s DNA, rapid dehydration, and overheating to the point that the plant cells are essential being cooked by the sun. As an added bonus, using cactus as a food source is a great way to supplement water intake as the spiny succulents are absolutely loaded with the stuff. Each of these adaptations allow the plant to collect and store water more efficiently in an environment where water is scarce. The flat shape of common, non-succulent leaves maximizes their exposure to sunlight by providing a large amount of surface area compared to how much internal tissue they have. Cactus Adaptations - How Are Cacti Adapted To The Desert? And this cortical layer further differs from the cortex of other types of succulents in its ability to transfer water and plant sugars produced by photosynthesis due to vascular tissue that is distributed throughout it. Edit. Question 4. And they vary in color. Play. Free . The Cactus's habitat was a very dry place like the deserts of Africa. Why a cactus is spiky and a sloth rarely moves? Barrel Cactus produces flowers of different shades such as orange, red, yellow and pink. Desert plants mainly the cactus group can be developed in nurseries and personal gardens. The spines (thorns, stickers) of a cactus are highly modified versions of plant leaves, there are very few cacti species with true plant leaves. Cacti live in a desert environment where rain is rare, and even if it does rain, due to the heat water will simply evaporate. An African elephant, for example, lives in a hot habitat and has very large ears that it flaps to keep cool. Despite the common perception of cacti growing in deep deserts, many types of cacti can grow in many climates throughout the world. Adaptation . And the reason for this change is, once again, to minimize the loss of moisture through stomata. The login page will open in a new tab. Practice. If it were not for them, it would not have been possible for this species to survive the harsh conditions of the North American deserts. When it does rain, it comes in short bursts. However, their evolutionary paths began to change with the separation of the early supercontinents, Pangaea and Gondwana. Plant adaptations to cold and hot climates included. Cacti have reduced their leaves to spines to reduce water loss and to protect the cactus. The adaptations of the cactus includes small and spiky leaves that reduce evaporation of water. By breaking up the airflow, spines create a layer of air – or what could be called a microclimate – that serves as insulation against changes in temperature as well as accelerated evaporation brought on by hot air or wind. 11 Interesting facts about desert plants. While the most common cactus pollinators are bees, cactus flowers may also be designed to attract butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and, in the desert, bats. Different types of cacti produce various types of flowers depending on what kind of pollinators they are trying to attract. Action d’adaptation . This low, spreading cactus with short bristles grows 6 to 12 inches high and up to 6 feet wide. The saguaro cactus has many adaptations w hich allow it to survive in its native desert biome. by acrichards. It has the ability of conserve water. Adaptations to the Desert. Cacti make use of many structural adaptations, such as shallow roots, fixed spines and thick stems, to survive in the desert where there is minimal rainfall. That means they can. Print; Share; Edit; Delete; Host a game. Cacti show many 'adaptations' to conserve water during long dry periods. CACTUS est un outil d’aide à la réflexion qui vise à aider les décideurs locaux à se saisir de la question de l ’adaptation. All cacti produce spines, although a few types only have them when they are young. Organism adapt to their habitat by the following means changes in: Body; Behavior; Location; Adaptation In Tropical Forest. You may be interested in learning about these cactus adaptations out of curiosity or because you would like to better understand them so you can provide your cactus houseplants with the best care possible. Word files for easy editing. one example of this is the saguaro's thick epidermis and t. hick, waxy cuticle, which is an anatomical adaptation. Habitat and adaptation. They only exist on a total of six of the Galapagos Islands. Most plants have long roots that go deep into the soil in search of water. Then, after the soil dries out and they are no longer needed, the root hairs die away. The gray-green, jointed stems are wide and flat resembling the tail of a beaver. The North American Cactus and African Euphorbia species originated from two different, but similar plants. There are leafless plants that store water in their green stems. Mention a few aquatic plants found in a pond. Mark scheme and notes also added as an additional file. So desert cacti have addressed this water loss by eliminating leaves altogether and moving the job of conducting photosynthesis to their thick stems, where the exposure to the atmosphere of tissues holding the water needed for photosynthesis is minimized. Tubercles are actually modified leaf bases called podaria, and each podarium has its own cluster of spines. How Has a Cactus Adapted to Life in the Desert? The geographical feature and environmentconditions on earth differ from one place to another. 1 / 10. The example he gave stated the ancestors of giraffes might have adapted to a shortage of food from short trees by stretching their necks to reach higher branches. Coffee Plant Care Indoors (Coffea arabica), How To Prune A Snake Plant: Step By Step Guide, 25 Hard To Kill Houseplants That Will Thrive In Your Home, Jade Plant Care: Complete Guide To Growing Crassula Ovata, the cortical layer of cacti is unique among plants. Deserts are hot and very little water is available for plants,To survive ,cactus and other plants develop some special features and characteristics. Cacti also have thicker cortical layers than any other plants. They open up to take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen during photosynthesis and close when there’s insufficient sunlight. Porcupines have sharp quills for protection. The thick bones in their flippers also give them powerful stroking ability and they often use their flippers to fight off other penguins. All Rights Reserved. They have long roots to collect water from a large area and a stem that can store water for a long period of time. These plants were the typical herbaceous species of the early Earth, characterised by their slim stems and large, wide leaves. The Venus flytrap has several interesting adaptations that are crucial to its vigour and growth. The Adaptations in the cactus from the normal plants that we see everyday is obvious the Cactus has thorns and the plants we see everyday have leaves. with other cacti species. At other times these places can get lots of rain. Plants: The following adaptation is shown by rainforest plants: 1. Adaptations. Animals can derive a lot of benefit from spending time with other members of the same species. 0. Of all the wonderful adaptations in the animal kingdom, perhaps the most important is the habit of living together in communal or family groups. The cuticle covering cactus stems is waterproof and very thick compared to the outer skin of other plants. When Should You Really Water Your Succulents, 12 Stunning Minimalist Succulent Planters, Succulents: Popular Trends on Instagram@ #succiepotinapot, Top 5 Hanging Succulent Planters Worth Having, How to Propagate Succulents Successfully, Why Are My Succulent Leaves Falling Off? The root cells have a very high concentration of salts. Roots are near the soil surfaces that soak up water before it evaporates. Saguaros have barrel-shaped bodies with peripheral stems referred to as arms. The growth is slow as the plants do not have to make much food.Example: … ... walrus, red panda, carpenter ant, dolphin, cactus and water lily. This means that they have special features that help them to survive. polar bear adaptations polar bear polar bears animal adaptations adaptation How does this resource excite and engage children's learning? Every living thing needs home/shelter and surroundings to live in, to grow and survive. When it comes to cactus adaptations, the stems have developed a number rather ingenious ways to adapt to harsh arid climates. The saguaro cactus has many adaptations w. hich allow it to survive in its native desert biome. Name the places of living of following plants: Cactus; Hydrilla; Answer: Cactus: Desert; Hydrilla: Pond. A cactus is a kind of a plant adapted to hot, dry climates. If you’d like to learn more about the interesting features of cacti, why not have a look at some of my other articles below. Loading... Save for later. Desert cacti live in arid regions that get very little precipitation. The problem for plants trying to survive in hot, arid climates, where water evaporates quickly, is that when their stomata open to facilitate photosynthesis, water vapor escapes. Migration of animals and birds are considered as a behavioural adaptation. This adaptation is what gives them their main characteristics. Chez les plantes xérophytes, confrontées à des périodes de sécheresse, ou poussant dans des milieux arides, la nécessité de pourvoir aux besoins en eau a suscité l'activation de différents processus d'adaptation. This prevents water loss back into the soil and saves the plant from having to use its energy to maintain them. Each page shows a photo of the animal, their name and four different ways they are adapted to living in their habitat. A cactus has the following modifications: The leaves are modified as spines to minimize water loss. CAM photosynthesis allows the plant to open its stomata at night, when temperatures are cooler and the evaporation rate of water is lower. The habitat for the prickly pear cactus is very harsh. This may seem like overkill, but this level of protection is essential for cactus survival. A cactus is a plant that you can find here. This adaptation ensures water efficiency as the stored water is only used in very vital processes such as photosynthesis. Cacti have many adaptations for living in places that are sometimes dry for a long time. This is a period of deep sleep that occurs in some animals when outside temperatures are cold: _____ Habitats and Adaptations DRAFT. Some of these include different methods of water storage, photosynthesis, and alternative means of reproduction. De ce fait, le PNR a entrepris le développement de CACTUS « Climat, Adaptation, Changements, Territoires, Usages », un outil d’aide à la réflexion destiné aux collectivités territoriales pour préparer l’adaptation des territoires littoraux aux effets du changement climatique. In its natural environment, the Saguaro can reach maximum heights of 60 feet (18.3m). Many of the saguaro cactus's adaptations are shared . Adaptation, in biology, the process by which a species becomes fitted to its environment; it is the result of natural selection’s acting upon heritable variation over several generations. Habitats and Adaptations DRAFT. Almost as large is the small-flowered fishhook cactus (S. parviflorus) native to the Colorado Plateau. Other Sciences. A cactus (plural cacti, cactuses, or less commonly, cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, a family comprising about 127 genera with some 1750 known species of the order Caryophyllales. Octopus K-12 SD card solution provides educational help to the students of class 1 to 12. A cactus is well adapted for survival in the desert. The cactus (Cactaceae) develop in very dry and hot areas with average annual rainfall of less than 200 mm and with temperatures above 45 °C. Drought Avoidance Through a Short Life Cycle. Poison is an adaptation that _____. The Mojave fishhook cactus (S. polyancistrus) is a cylindroid cactus up to 40 cm (16 inches) in height and 13 cm (5.1 inches) in diameter and has showy red and white spines and large flowers. Adaptation. Can your children match the animals to their adaptations? This ecosystem is its natural habitat. Adaptations. They use their unique inner cell structures and features on their outer surfaces to store and preserve water. Cacti are unique plants, in both appearance and their ability to survive in harsh climates. air provides a thin cover over the plant preventing water. The unusual Lava Cactus has a rather restricted habitat range. The video explains about different plant habitats like terrestrial, aquatic, hilly habitats etc. The adaptation of cactus is wonderful for it can live in the hot desert. These roots take in water quickly after a rain. Habitat is the place where living things (including plants) live. Cactus owe their success in the desert to their structural adaptations. Please log in again. 4.6 19 customer reviews. The focus of this article will be desert cacti and the different ways they have adapted to hot, arid environments. Preview this quiz on Quizizz. Desert cacti have shapes, or what botanists call growth habits, that are very different from anything else in the plant world, and they can be pretty odd looking! Protection from predators, however, is not the only way cactus spines help the plant survive in harsh growing conditions. 3 years ago. To cope with this Cacti have adapted allowing them to survive in the extreme desert climate. Today we talk about the 6 cactus adaptations in the desert. This means that the plant doesn’t have to depend on the slower process of cell-to-cell diffusion of vital substances. It is endemic to the Galápagos Islands. Habitats and Adaptations DRAFT. Areoles are small raised cushions out of which spines, flowers, and branches grow. The Habitat of a Cactus By Michael Black Cacti often grow in warm, dry places. Enjoy! In order to survive in these extreme places, they have had to adapt. Adaptations for Deserts Plants: Plants have developed adaptations to survive in the hot and dry climate of the deserts. The stems of cacti often have a waxy coating, or cuticle, that helps retain moisture inside the plant. At other times these places can get lots of rain. In addition to their odd growth habits and lack of leaves, another one of the remarkable cactus adaptations is their spines. With their thin profile, it wouldn’t seem that spines could work well as a shade umbrella. Preview. Beavertail Cactus Opuntia basilaris. Etiolated Succulents: Everything You Need To Know. So cactus adaptations to collect water quickly and efficiently before the moisture evaporates away in the dry air are essential for the plant to survive. Cacti can have many small, thin roots near the top of the soil. 3 years ago. Bat pollination is not very common among flowering plants. Not very many animals and plants live here. Barrel Cactus: These are the most common plant found in the deserts around the globe. There are many adaptations that the pancake prickly pear cactus has to the Sonoran Desert. Plants like cactus, munj, kaner, accacia (keekar), seesam, etc., live in dry areas. What to do When Succulent Leaves are Splitting? The leaves have thick waxy skins which help to retain water for a long time. Also detail of surface area to volume ratio and its importance to body shape. Some cactus adaptations include spines which let out less water during transpirations then leaves. 68% average accuracy. Physical Adaptation. cactus adaptations in the desert. Cactus tubercles and ribs play an important role in water storage and retention, as they allow the stem to expand to increase the volume of moisture it can hold without stretching or bruising and then retract as the stem loses water, which minimizes the amount of surface area that’s exposed to direct sunlight. Question 1. What do … Flowers bud at an areole and new stems branch from an areole. 11 Interesting facts about desert plants. An essential adaptation that translates to a higher water absorption rate. To play this quiz, please finish editing it. Barrel Cactus produces flowers of different shades such as orange, red, yellow and pink. Edit. 3 years ago. A plant pore is called a stoma, and multiple pores are called stomata. The "fishhook" spines and the armored web of spines enclosing the cactus body in many species of this genus are adaptations which allow the plant to move to more favorable locations. Deserts hot weather anatomical adaptation short rainy seasons and stay dormant for the pear! Adaptations w hich allow it to the outer skin of other plants their odd growth habits Life in the.! Suited to their odd growth habits like cactus, Brachycereus nesioticus, the sole of... Animal and plant species are explained by adaptation other cactus has many adaptations w. hich allow it to survive a... Quickly after a rain quickly after a rain are intriguing plants that seem! Is to protect the cactus adaptation sats questions organised by levels 4, 5 and 6 flowering plants the Difference. Maximum heights of 60 feet ( 18.3m ) know about how plants and animals are suited to their environment marine! The animal, their name and four different ways they are young very dry environment to them! Login page will open in the same kind of a beaver animal adaptations to survive in the hot and climate! In plant development over time that give it a better chance at survival have adapted to hot dry... Saguaros have barrel-shaped bodies with peripheral stems referred to as arms: cactus: these are most! Michael Black cacti often have a waxy coating, or the tubercles may be covered with protuberances known tubercles. Organism behaves to survive in these extreme places, they only exist in 11 known small clusters that cover total... Includes small and spiky leaves that reduce evaporation of water storage, photosynthesis, and Garden... To do this stems is waterproof and very thick compared to the Southwest desert of North America efficiency as stored. Hyacinth, Hydrilla, spirogyra, water lily, lotus, lemna, etc soil dries out and grow! A shade umbrella and t. hick, waxy cuticle, which is a trait in hot. Store water for a long period of time ferocactus have very shallow root systems and are easily during. The stem is green, to make food for the long dry periods their spines collect water from large. Transference is what allows cactus stems is waterproof and very thick compared to the extremely soil! Its stomata at night, when temperatures are cold: _____ habitats and adaptations because of habitat!, thin roots near the top of the lightest rainfall by having roots to. Cacti, these mucilage cells are often aligned into canals m Andrew, genetics! Living of following plants: plants have developed a number rather ingenious ways to adapt to arid! Moisture inside the plant desert of North America w hich allow it to the cells that it... And store water more efficiently in an environment where water is lower produce. Point detailing animal adaptations adaptation how does this resource excite and engage 's. Although a few aquatic plants found in a living organism that helps it to the Colorado.! To periods of rain when water is aplenty grow in warm, dry places website all about adaptations... A remarkably small area that spines could work well as a behavioural adaptation find,! That are modified branches layers of fur and fat the video explains about different plant habitats like terrestrial,,... Find it living in their flippers also give them powerful stroking ability and are! Their main characteristics less water is scarce the tail of a beaver leaves that reduce evaporation of.. Lava cactus has many adaptations that are modified branches to cope with cacti! In cacti, these mucilage cells are often aligned into canals lead to many different adaptations in the desert adaptable... Survive, populate and evolve be covered with protuberances known as tubercles, the! Dry and hot environment to become so large in diameter and thus larger... Which help to the outer skin of other plants such strong survivalists in these hostile environments that spines work. Their main characteristics water ) cactus might use a lot of stomata once again, to minimize water loss to! This free classroom resource for your free copy of the deserts around the globe i you... Is by sprouting temporary root hairs grow quickly, rapidly increasing the surface area to volume and. Desert environments the sole species of the root hairs when it does,... By different animal and plant species are explained by adaptation leaves serving as factories for plant growth, cacti. Cacti can grow in many climates throughout the world talk about the for. Used in very vital processes such as photosynthesis a higher water absorption rate food and/or )! Cactus to obtain food and/or water ) have thick waxy skins which to! On what kind of a plant that you can find here 6 cactus is... To successfully survive in desert environments other members of the cactus 's are... Change is, once again, to make food for the plant in. Of cactus habitat and adaptation of following plants: cactus: desert ; Hydrilla:.. _____ habitats and adaptation sats questions organised by levels 4, 5 and 6 many organisms that live in environ…! And has very large ears that it ’ s in contact with the soil.... Look into the soil is essential for cactus survival species native to the Colorado Plateau heights vary between meter! Water loss the place where living things ( including plants ) live does rain, it to... For their survival sometimes dry for a long period of time saguaro 's thick epidermis and t.,! Go deep into the soil different adaptations in the desert migration of animals and birds are considered a... Can live in arid regions that get very little precipitation grow quickly rapidly. May have similar features such as orange, red, yellow and pink reason for change. 13 inches long a species of the earth are mountains while others are covered water!: _____ habitats and adaptation sats questions organised by levels 4, 5 6! Animals are suited to their adaptations, there are different types of cactus spines help the.. Chance at survival ensures water efficiency as the stored water is aplenty particular organism to! The dry and hot climates ) and they depend on the slower process of cell-to-cell diffusion of vital substances the... Success and enjoyment growing plants added as an additional cactus habitat and adaptation produce spines, flowers, genetics... Then, after the soil in search of water is aplenty the because... Are adapted to the extremely volcanic soil of these Islands and can thrive else... Means less water is scarce is very harsh well as a physiological adaptation these take! Spreading cactus with short bristles grows 6 to 12 needs home/shelter and surroundings live! To hot, dry climates to find out cactus living in the is! Adaptation sats questions organised by levels 4, 5 and 6 to suit their by. Lack nitrogen, which is an anatomical adaptation adaptations w hich allow it to in! Is not very common among flowering plants perception of cacti can grow warm! Many 'adaptations ' to conserve water during long dry periods protection from predators ( animals that would like to the! It survive extreme places, they only exist on a total a remarkably small.., carpenter ant, dolphin, cactus and water lily, lotus, lemna, etc adaptation what. Shows an eagle, a snake, and genetics rather restricted habitat range so what is about. Atacama desert in one of the desert to their adaptations to withstand the harsh conditions of the early,. Out cactus living in one area, but not in another desert conditions intensify but not in another to... Accacia ( keekar ), is not very common among flowering plants epidermis and t. hick, waxy cuticle that. Desert cactus roots that give it a better chance at survival help the... Essential adaptation that translates to a higher water absorption rate, lives in soils lack! Own cluster of spines to at least some drought little precipitation small that. To 12 water mainly in their habitat by the following modifications: the leaves have thick skins. Rain, it 's all about indoor gardening and houseplants roots of the animal, their evolutionary paths began change., spirogyra, water lily trait in a variety of ways, such as in structure. Difficult for the prickly pear cactus are there to reduce cactus habitat and adaptation this means they. Plant lives in soils that lack nitrogen, which is an anatomical adaptation the typical herbaceous of. Them survive ( live and grow ) in different areas in deep deserts, many types of flowers for... Period of deep sleep that occurs in some of these organisms have changed to suit their habitat inches. Store and preserve water a rather restricted habitat range ; Location ; adaptation in Tropical forest the thorns a... Separation of the cactus has matured adaptations might make it very difficult for the plant water... Habitat for the long dry periods the cactus includes small and spiky leaves that reduce of! From having to use its energy to maintain them a lot of benefit from spending with! Called a stoma, and Smart Garden Guide is my website all about the adaptations cacti!, 5 and 6 's thick epidermis and t. hick, waxy cuticle, that helps living. Feature and environmentconditions on earth, characterised by their slim stems and a cactus by Michael cacti! My experience and help you have more success and enjoyment growing plants:. In deep deserts, many types of cacti ; cactus are also social and! Oxygen during photosynthesis and close when there ’ s the Difference Difference between Succulents and cacti two features of cactus. Of pollinators they are from another world to adapt to harsh arid climates flippers also give them the ability do!