Adaptations

• how are camels adapted?

  • long eyelashes to keep sand out
  • camoflague from predators
  • large feet to prevent sinking into the sand
  • hump to store fat for heat loss = reduces water loss from sweating
  • thick coat on the upper surface of body= insulates top of camel from heat of sun
  • inside of mouth is leathery= can chew desert plants that have thorns
  • transparent layer of the eye to see when eyes are closed
  • produce dry faeces= reduce water loss
• how are kangaroo rats adapted to the desert?

  • nocturnal- active at night = avoid heat during daytime
  • during day they live in burrows underground=keeps them cool and protects them from predators
• how is an arctic fox adapted to the cold?

  • thick fur=insulates and reduces heat loss
  • fur on soles of feet= reduces heat loss to the ice
  • very small ears= reduces SA of fox= reduces heat loss
  • camouflage= helps to hunt its prey and protection from predators
• how are cactus adapted to the desert?

  - very small leaves= reduces water loss

  • spines= protection from animals
  • shallow roots= stores water and captures all water from rainfall before it evaporates into the ground
• what is extremophiles?


  organisms that live in extreme conditions - can live in high conc of salt, high temps and pressure