TED-Ed: Nature's fortress: How cacti keep water in and predators out | Lucas C. Majure

Cacti are remarkable plants that have evolved to thrive in harsh desert climates. Their spines, which are modified leaves, help reduce water loss and regulate temperature. Cacti like the melon and saguaro have developed unique adaptations such as thick skins, waxy cuticles, and specialized root systems to store and conserve water. Even in rainforests, cacti like the mistletoe cactus use adaptations inherited from their desert ancestors to survive.

What is the significance of the saguaro cactus's root system in its survival?

How do cacti manage to store water and what adaptations help them do this?