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