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What is the purpose of spines on a cactus?

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A surprising function of cacti spines is to provide shade for the cactus itself. At first, it can be hard to believe that tiny cactus spines offer any real protection from the intense, desert sun. read more

Scientists have therefore theorized that spines may provide protection to a cacti from sun damage and other heat and sun-related injuries or from thirsty animals looking to extract water from cacti leaves. Other Possibilities. The jury is still out on the evolutionary purpose of cactus spines. read more

The most obvious function of cactus spines is to protect the cacti from animals and people. There are, however, a few animals who aren’t deterred by the painful spines of cacti such as javelina, tortoises and pack rats. read more

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