In the race of survival, plants have never been left behind. In order to survive in all kinds of environments, plants adapt to their surroundings... a process that can determine the way they look.

Desserts can be tough for all plants and animals. But cactuses are some of the best able to survive adversity. They evolved thorns rather than leaves to hold on to water. Their surfaces are coated with wax to prevent evaporation. Cactuses also developed sturdy roots that enable them to seek out water deep underground and to keep themselves hydrated.

Fair to say, cactuses are a front runner in the struggle against an arduous environment, but they're not alone.

In the battle with drought, those with leaves close stomata, tiny pores that allow for gas exchange, at noon to reduce evaporation to prevent water loss.

Another extreme is plants that live in water. Lotuses, with pores on stems, can breathe underwater.

The kelp hides under seawater and has narrow and long leaves that are ideal for photosynthesis.

Like other living things, plants adapt to a changing environment to survive, and their tactics show us they are not inferior to any other creatures on the planet.

(Cover images via VCG)

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