Cholla Cactus TEK check

What is one reason the cholla cactus can survive in the desert?

• It has tall, tree-like branches.
  

•  It stores water in its stems.
  

•  It grows quickly after rainfall.

•  It has no spines to lose water.
  

How does the desert bighorn sheep obtain water from the cholla cactus?

•  By licking the cactus spines.

•  By breaking open the cactus stems with its hooves and horns.
  

• By chewing on the cholla’s fruit.
  

• By waiting for rain to collect in the cactus

What role do cholla cacti play in the diet of the O’odham tribe?

• They use the cholla to hunt desert animals.

• They harvest cholla stems to make water containers.
  

• They grind cholla fruit to make flour for baking.
  

• They eat roasted cholla buds for their nutritional benefits.
  

Why do some animals build nests in the cholla cactus?

•  To enjoy the cactus’s colorful blooms.
  

• To be close to the water stored in the cactus.
  

• To protect themselves from predators and harsh temperatures.
  

• To mark their territory in the desert.
  

 Based on the text, what can you conclude about the cholla cactus?

•  It is the most common cactus in the desert.

• It serves as an essential resource for desert animals and people.
  

• It grows taller in cooler climates than in hot climates.
  

• It only provides food to animals but not to people.