Cactus plants, which grow in deserts, have a thick waxy coating that helps prevent water loss. The plants' sharp spines provide protection from predators. Which of the following statements best explains why cactus plants
evolved to have these traits?

C

Explanation:

Survival of the fittest shows that plants/animals with traits better suited for survival in their environments usually pass those traits to their offspring to help them survive.

step 1: nitrogen fixation- conversion of atmospheric no₂ into forms useful to plants by lightning, bacteria, and cyanobacteria.

step 2: nitrification-process of converting ammonia to nitrite or nitrate.

step 3: assimilation-plant roots absorb new form of nitrogen.

step 4: ammonification-conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonia by bacteria involved in decomposition.

step 5: denitrification-bacteria turns the decomposed matter back into n₂o, which is released into atmosphere; repeat cycle.

c is the correct answer!