Members of the plant family Cactaceae (cacti) are native to the Americas and thrive in dry environments. They have a number of specialized adaptations, including reduced leaves, succulent (fleshy) stems for water storage, and spines for defense against herbivores. Some members of the family Euphorbiaceae are native to Africa and resemble cacti, having similarly reduced leaves, succulent stems, and thorns. However, their common ancestor likely did not have these traits. Based on this information, what can you say about the morphological traits of Cactaceae and Euphorbiaceae indicated above?

Question

Biology

Terry Wright

11 December, 19:12

Members of the plant family Cactaceae (cacti) are native to the Americas and thrive in dry environments. They have a number of specialized adaptations, including reduced leaves, succulent (fleshy) stems for water storage, and spines for defense against herbivores. Some members of the family Euphorbiaceae are native to Africa and resemble cacti, having similarly reduced leaves, succulent stems, and thorns. However, their common ancestor likely did not have these traits. Based on this information, what can you say about the morphological traits of Cactaceae and Euphorbiaceae indicated above?

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Answers (1)

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Cindy Browning · Answer 1

Their morphology evolved in separate places and times, being a convergency.

Explanation:

When two species have similar characteristics but are not inherited from a common ancestor, it means that there was a convergence where the two species happened to have the same external conditions so they adapted to, in this case, dry habitats.