Cactus is an example of which type of plant?

The correct answer is Succulents.

Key Points

• Cactus is a type of succulent plant, characterized by its thick, fleshy tissues adapted for water storage.
• Succulents, including cacti, are well-adapted to survive in arid and semi-arid conditions, making them drought-resistant.
• Cacti belong to the family Cactaceae, which includes over 1,750 species distributed mainly across the Americas.
• Key adaptations of cacti include spines instead of leaves, which reduce water loss and provide protection from herbivores.
• Cacti use a specialized process called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, enabling them to conserve water by opening stomata at night.

Additional Information

• Succulents:
  • Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to endure extended periods of drought.
  • Examples include aloe, agave, and euphorbias, apart from cacti.
  • They are commonly found in desert ecosystems and are popular in landscaping and indoor gardening for their low water requirements.
• Adaptations in Succulents:
  • They have a thick, waxy cuticle to minimize water loss through evaporation.
  • Spines or reduced leaf structures help in conserving water and protecting the plant from herbivores.
  • Their shallow, widespread root systems enable quick absorption of water after rainfall.
• CAM Photosynthesis:
  • CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) is a specialized photosynthetic pathway used by many succulents.
  • In CAM, stomata open at night to reduce water loss while carbon dioxide is absorbed and stored for use during the day.
  • This adaptation allows succulents to thrive in hot and dry climates.
• Other Types of Plants:
  • Mosses: Non-vascular plants that require moist environments to survive.
  • Mesophytes: Plants adapted to moderate water conditions, such as most terrestrial plants.
  • Hydrophytes: Aquatic plants adapted to live in water-rich environments, like water lilies.