Franco and Nobel (1989) conducted experiments in the Sonoran Desert to explain why having a nurse plant is beneficial for young cacti. According to their research article, what are the two environmental factors explaining why young cacti survive more often under another plant?

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
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Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
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### Study on Cacti Survival in the Sonoran Desert

**Franco and Nobel (1989)** conducted experiments in the Sonoran Desert to explore the benefits of nurse plants for young cacti. According to their research article, two primary environmental factors are crucial in explaining why young cacti have a higher survival rate under the shade of another plant:

1. **Shade and Temperature Regulation**: Nurse plants provide shade, reducing the intense sunlight that can harm young cacti. This shade helps to regulate temperature extremes, allowing for a more stable and suitable environment for growth.

2. **Moisture Retention**: The presence of a nurse plant helps in retaining soil moisture by reducing evaporation rates, thus ensuring that young cacti have the water they need for survival and growth.

These two factors significantly increase the chances of survival for young cacti in harsh desert conditions by creating a more favorable microenvironment.
Transcribed Image Text:### Study on Cacti Survival in the Sonoran Desert **Franco and Nobel (1989)** conducted experiments in the Sonoran Desert to explore the benefits of nurse plants for young cacti. According to their research article, two primary environmental factors are crucial in explaining why young cacti have a higher survival rate under the shade of another plant: 1. **Shade and Temperature Regulation**: Nurse plants provide shade, reducing the intense sunlight that can harm young cacti. This shade helps to regulate temperature extremes, allowing for a more stable and suitable environment for growth. 2. **Moisture Retention**: The presence of a nurse plant helps in retaining soil moisture by reducing evaporation rates, thus ensuring that young cacti have the water they need for survival and growth. These two factors significantly increase the chances of survival for young cacti in harsh desert conditions by creating a more favorable microenvironment.
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