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