How do the cactus and the peyote adapt to their environment?

The cactus in general and the peyote [Lophophora williamsii] adapt to their environment by adopting defensive strategies. Cactus plants tend to have modified leaves in the form of fearsome thorns, spines, spikes, quills, prongs, needles, hairs, or bristles. They also may store their internal fluids in bitter or toxic forms. Both efforts discourage predation. But where these are lacking, as in the case of the peyote, other defense mechanisms come into play. With the peyote, it's the production of mind altering hallucinogens.