How to Identify and Classify Prickly Pears
  • 1. What is the primary defining characteristic of a Prickly Pear cactus?
A) Large size
B) Single, cylindrical stem
C) Bright flowers
D) Presence of glochids
  • 2. Glochids are best described as:
A) Sticky sap
B) Small, barbed bristles
C) Soft, fuzzy hairs
D) Large, sharp spines
  • 3. The pads of a Prickly Pear are technically modified:
A) Leaves
B) Flowers
C) Roots
D) Stems
  • 4. What is the typical shape of Prickly Pear pads?
A) Cylindrical
B) Triangular
C) Round
D) Oval or oblong
  • 5. What is the term for the fruit produced by a Prickly Pear?
A) Berry
B) Pod
C) Capsule
D) Tuna
  • 6. What color are the flowers of many common Prickly Pear species?
A) Purple
B) Yellow
C) Blue
D) White
  • 7. Which feature is MOST helpful in differentiating Prickly Pear species?
A) Flower color
B) Spine arrangement and number
C) Pad size
D) Fruit taste
  • 8. What is the common name for *Opuntia ficus-indica*?
A) Indian Fig Opuntia
B) Saguaro Cactus
C) Beavertail Cactus
D) Cholla Cactus
  • 9. Which type of habitat is LEAST likely to support Prickly Pear growth?
A) Swamp
B) Arid Scrubland
C) Desert
D) Grassland
  • 10. What is the primary purpose of spines on a Prickly Pear?
A) Attracting pollinators
B) Providing structural support
C) Aiding in water absorption
D) Defense against herbivores
  • 11. The areoles on a Prickly Pear pad are the structures from which...
A) Only glochids emerge
B) Only flowers emerge
C) Spines, glochids, and flowers emerge
D) Only spines emerge
  • 12. Which characteristic distinguishes Beavertail Prickly Pear (*Opuntia basilaris*) from other species?
A) Cylindrical pads
B) Bright red flowers
C) Extremely long spines
D) Nearly spineless pads
  • 13. What is the general growth habit of Prickly Pears?
A) Submerged aquatic
B) Epiphytic
C) Vining
D) Sprawling or upright
  • 14. What is the significance of identifying Prickly Pear species accurately?
A) To determine if they can be used as livestock feed.
B) Because all Prickly Pears have the same medicinal benefits.
C) To determine the price they can be sold for.
D) Understanding their ecological role and potential invasiveness.
  • 15. What are the main differences between *Opuntia* and *Cylindropuntia*?
A) *Opuntia* are always small, *Cylindropuntia* are always large.
B) *Opuntia* have toxic fruit, *Cylindropuntia* have edible fruit.
C) *Opuntia* only grow in deserts, *Cylindropuntia* only grow in forests.
D) *Opuntia* have flat pads, *Cylindropuntia* have cylindrical stems.
  • 16. Which part of the Prickly Pear is commonly eaten by humans?
A) The pads and the fruit
B) The flowers
C) The spines
D) The roots
  • 17. What tool is essential for safely handling Prickly Pear pads?
A) A magnifying glass
B) A shovel
C) Tongs or thick gloves
D) A watering can
  • 18. What type of soil do Prickly Pears typically prefer?
A) Clay soil
B) Soggy soil
C) Rich, loamy soil
D) Well-draining soil
  • 19. What is the main function of the thick, waxy coating on Prickly Pear pads?
A) Protection from insects
B) Reflecting sunlight
C) Water conservation
D) Attracting pollinators
  • 20. What is one method of propagating Prickly Pears?
A) Pad cuttings
B) Air layering
C) Leaf cuttings
D) Root division
  • 21. Which of these characteristics helps distinguish Engelmann's Prickly Pear?
A) Blue-green pads
B) Small, round pads
C) Hair-like spines
D) Long, curved spines
  • 22. How does the fruit color typically change as it ripens?
A) White to black
B) Green to red or purple
C) Red to green
D) Yellow to brown
  • 23. What is a key difference between juvenile and mature Prickly Pear plants?
A) Flower color
B) Root structure
C) Spine density and pad size
D) Glochid absence/presence
  • 24. Where are glochids located on the Prickly Pear?
A) On the roots
B) On spines
C) On the fruit
D) In areoles
  • 25. What is a common use of Prickly Pear pads in Mexican cuisine?
A) Pickled roots
B) Fried flowers
C) Spine tea
D) Nopales (cooked pads)
  • 26. Which animal commonly disperses Prickly Pear seeds?
A) Ants
B) Birds
C) Bees
D) Snakes
  • 27. What is the term for a cluster of spines arising from a single areole?
A) Spine array
B) Spine bundle
C) Spine ring
D) Spine cluster
  • 28. What should you do if you get glochids in your skin?
A) Ignore them, they will fall out.
B) Apply water immediately.
C) Rub the area vigorously.
D) Use tape or tweezers to remove them.
  • 29. What is a potential ecological consequence of Prickly Pear introduction to new areas?
A) Invasive species outcompeting native plants.
B) Increased soil fertility.
C) Reduced wildfire risk.
D) Enhanced biodiversity.
  • 30. What is the best time of year to observe Prickly Pear flowers for identification purposes?
A) Spring and early summer
B) Winter
C) Late fall
D) Any time of year
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