Why are the leaves of desert plant modified into spine?

In the desert, water is scarce. More leaves mean more stomata and more water loss through transpiration. If the plants have reduced leaves or no leaves at all, it will reduce the surface area and the number of stomata. Therefore, leaves in desert plants get modified into spines.

Why leaves are converted into spines?

Leaf spines to provide protection and reduce the loss of water: In certain plants, leaves or parts of leaves get modified into pointed structures called spines. Spines help to reduce the loss of water by transpiration. They also protect the plant from grazing animals.

Why do cactus and desert plants have spines and not leaves?

Why do cacti and desert plants have spines, and not leaves? Most cacti do not have leaves because they grow in a hot, dry environment, with little water. They are able to survive by storing water for long periods of time; they do this through their extensive root system, which absorbs water from the soil when it rains.

Why do plants lose their leaves in the desert?

Since more surface area means more wind exposure and more hot sun exposure, that can actually backfire and result in more water loss. Fat leaves, fat stems, and fewer leaves are all ways for plants to reduce their water loss in the desert. Spines Keep Herbivores and Wind Away

Why do plants have spines on their leaves?

Spines are modified leaves which have less surface area. Plants lose water through their leaves. In deserts, that is something that plants should avoid, so that they can store water. Thus, spines lose less water and are more advantageous in dry climates.

Do desert plants have thorns or spines?

Only some desert plants had their leaves converted into spines. Many others, such as Creosote bush, acacias, mezquites and countless weeds have still their leaves. Others such as ocotillo and palo verdes do both. One plant family that has lost their leaves for thorns is Cactaceae, the cactus family. Thorns and spines are not the same, actually.