Question

the picture shows a desert environment. the cacti grow in locations spread out from one another. how does spreading out help the cacti survive? a. spreading out prevents too much sunlight from being absorbed by the cacti. b. spreading out prevents the cacti from competing for water and nutrients. c. spreading out prevents insects from eating the cacti. d. spreading out prevents the cacti from needing any resources.

Explanation:

In a desert environment, water and nutrients are scarce. If cacti grow too close together, they would compete for these limited resources. Spreading out reduces this competition. Option A is incorrect because sunlight is abundant in deserts and not a limiting factor. Option B is wrong as cacti need sunlight for photosynthesis. Option D is incorrect because spreading out does not directly prevent insects from eating cacti. Option C is correct as it addresses the key resource - water and nutrients - which are crucial for cacti survival in a desert.

Answer:

C. Spreading out prevents the cacti from competing for water and nutrients.