The saguaro cactus has many adaptations w hich allow it to survive in its native desert biome. Many of the saguaro cactus's adaptations are shared with other cacti species. one example of this is the saguaro's thick epidermis and t hick, waxy cuticle, which is an anatomical adaptation. The thick epidermis and waxy cuticle prevent water loss and limits transpiration, so that transpiration can only occur in the stomata when the stomata are open and not through the epidermis of the saguaro. Another anatomical adaptation which allows the saguaro to survive in the desert is it's spines, which are modified leaves and are common amongst most cacti plants. The spines of the saguaro protect it from animals that would otherwise eat the saguaro, or use it …show more content…
The large amount of water stored in a saguaro is a physiological adaptation. The water is not only used for photosynthesis, but also for protection against heat extremes. He

at abs orbed by the plant during the day is stored in the deeper interior of the stem. The large amount of water in this part of the stem prevents t he heat in t he cactus from rising to lethal levels because of waters low specific heat capacity. At night, when it is cooler the heat is then released back into the air, this also prevents the saguaro from freezing in the winter. Another physiological adaptation of the saguaro is the use of the stem for photosynthesis. Since, the leaves have been turned into spines and can no longer perform photosynthesis the stem now performs the majority of photosynthesis for the cactus. A last anatomical adaptation of the saguaro is its root system. The root system of the saguaro consists of one tap root which extends about three feet into the ground and is used to collect deep ground water and nutrients as well as to help anchor the saguaro, and a shallow, lateral root system which extends far out from the