Adaptions

• What allows plants and animals to survive in the desert?

  They have clever adaptations.
• How do desert plants adapt to cope with hot, dry conditions?

  They have adaptations to help them survive in those conditions.
• What is one adaptation of desert plants to access water?

  Plants have extremely long roots to reach deep water supplies.
• How long can some cactus roots grow?

  Some cacti roots can grow 50 m long.
• What is the purpose of fleshy and succulent stems in cacti?

  To store moisture.
• What type of plants are many desert plants classified as?

  Succulents.
• What do succulents have to reduce transpiration losses?

  Thick skins.
• How do some plants reduce their surface area to minimize water loss?

  By having spines instead of leaves.
• What is a reproductive adaptation of some desert plants?

  They only reproduce after rain.
• How do desert animals cope with high temperatures?

  They cool by sweating or panting.
• What physical feature helps desert animals lose heat?

  Long limbs with a large surface area.
• How much time do desert tortoises spend underground?

  95% of their time.
• What do some larger desert animals store to survive when needed?

  Fat.
• How do some animals obtain water in the desert?

  From their food.
• What adaptation do camels have to cope with sand?

  Thick eyelids and the ability to close their nostrils.
• What do camels use to keep sand out during sandstorms?

  Thick eyelids and nostrils.
• What are the main adaptations of desert plants?

  • Extremely long roots to reach deep water
  • Succulent stems to store moisture
  • Thick skins to reduce transpiration
  • Spines to minimize surface area
  • Rapid growth after rain
• What are the main adaptations of desert animals?

  • Sweating or panting to cool down
  • Long limbs for heat loss
  • Living in underground burrows
  • Storing fat for energy
  • Obtaining water from food
  • Adaptations to cope with sand
• What are the key ideas to remember about desert organisms for an exam?

  • Adaptations for water conservation
  • Mechanisms for temperature regulation
  • Unique reproductive strategies
  • Structural features for survival in sand