Cacti typically grow in very dry climates with infrequent rainfall. when it does rain, the rain usually only penetrates a few inches into the soil. which adaptation is most likely to a cactus survive in the dry climate?
thick xylem tissue to transport sugar
leaves that supplement by trapping insects
extensive shallow roots that absorb water
more dermal tissue for food storage

The correct answer is extensive shallow roots that absorb water.

In contrast to the plants that live in more humid climates and have long and thick roots that go deep underground (sometimes exceeding the length of the stem multiple times) and keep them rooted, cacti have roots that spread wide and close to the surface (not to the deep). This helps them to absorb more of the limited and scarce amount of rainfall that is available in their habitats.