hot deserts P1

• What are the characteristics of hot deserts?

  Very little rainfall and extreme temperature changes
• Approximately how much rainfall do hot deserts receive per year?

  250 millimeters
• What is the typical temperature range in a hot desert from day to night?

  45 degrees Celsius to zero degrees Celsius
• Why is soil fertility limited in hot deserts?

  Lack of leaf fall
• Why is the soil often dried out in hot deserts?

  Due to the low rainfall
• What is the typical characteristics of plant growth in hot deserts?

  Sparse, low, and short
• What kind of animals are typically found in hot deserts?

  Animals adapted to harsh environments
• What are mammals like in hot deserts?

  Small and nocturnal
• What do birds tend to do during the harshest conditions in hot deserts?

  Leave during the harshest conditions
• Where do many people grow crops in hot deserts?

  Near natural water sources
• Where are crops usually grown in hot deserts?

  Desert fringes
• Why are indigenous people nomadic in hot deserts?

  To find food and water
• What is the lifestyle of indigenous people in hot deserts?

  Often nomadic
• How do small leaves help plants survive in hot deserts?

  Less water lost by transpiration
• What are tap roots?

  Long roots reaching deep underground
• How long are tap roots?

  Seven to ten meters long
• Why do some plants have spines instead of leaves in hot deserts?

  Spines lose less water than leaves
• What is another advantage of spines on desert plants?

  Prevent animals from eating the plant
• What is the purpose of waxy skin on some desert leaves?

  Reduces water loss by transpiration
• What are succulents?

  Plants that store water
• Where do succulents store water?

  Stems, leaves, roots, or fruits
• Why do plants with water storage in their leaves and stems often have a thick waxy skin?

  To lose less water via transpiration
• What adaptations do camels have to keep out sand?

  Long eyelashes, hairy ears, closing nostrils
• How do thick eyebrows help camels in hot deserts?

  Shade the eyes from the sun
• Why do camels have wide feet?

  So they don't sink into sand
• Which ratio do camels maximize with their wide feet?

  Surface area to volume
• How long can camels go without water?

  Over a week
• How long can camels go without food?

  Months
• Where do camels store fat?

  In their humps
• Why can a camel's body temperature change?

  To avoid losing water through sweating
• How does camouflage help camels in the desert?

  Helps them blend in with their environment
• How does thick fur help camels in the desert environment?

  Helps to keep them warm at night