Question

The shoot system of a beavertail cactus consists of broad paddle-like structures covered with clusters of spines. The spines are modified leaves, so the flat green paddles must be modified _____. (Concept 35.1)

roots
stems
leaves
buds
None of the listed responses is correct.

Answer 1

stems

Step-by-step explanation:

Stems are one of the vegetative parts of a flowering plant. Stems have nodes and internodes. One or more leaves are attached to the stem on nodes. In beavertail cactus, the leaves are modified into spines to prevent the loss of water. These modified leaves are present on a paddle-like structure. Since leaves are borne on nodes of the stem, the paddle-like structure of these plants represents their stem that bears the leaves.