Question

all organisms on earth, from the smallest bacterium to the largest blue whale, need w survive. desert plants and animals have developed special adaptations for getting and holding on to water. without these adaptations, they would not be able to survive in the desert. cacti are the primary plants of the desert. they have long, spreading, shallow ro that can soak up the maximum amount of water from the ground. they can store plenty of water in their rubbery stems. they dont have leaves, which can lose a lot of moisture. ca also have sharp spines meant to stop animals from taking their water.
according to the passage, how have cactus roots adapted to the deserts dry environment?
choose one option
a they are sharp and poke animals who try to dig them up
b they are very short because there isnt much water for them to soak up.
c their spiky texture helps them find the most water in the soil.
d they are shallow and spread widely to help them absorb water

Explanation:

The passage states that cactus roots are long, spreading, and shallow. This adaptation allows them to soak up the maximum amount of water from the ground. Option D correctly describes this adaptation as shallow and spread widely to absorb water. Option A refers to spines (not roots). Option B is incorrect as roots are not short. Option C's "fibrous texture" is not mentioned in the passage.

Answer:

D. They are shallow and spread widely to help them absorb water.