Vegetation

• How have desert plants adapted to their environment?

  They adapt to extreme heat and low precipitation
• What are the two groups of desert plants?

  • Ephemerals
  • Succulents
• What percentage of desert plants are ephemeral?

  40%
• What defines ephemeral plants?

  They complete their life cycle in a few weeks
• How do ephemeral plants reproduce after rain?

  They germinate, mature, flower, and seed quickly
• How do succulent plants survive in deserts?

  By storing water in roots, stems, and fruits
• Why are succulent plants often spiny?

  To repel water-seeking animals and birds
• What type of root systems have many cacti developed?

  Radial (shallow) roots
• How do radial roots benefit cacti?

  They trap a lot of water quickly
• How deep can the tap roots of some plants reach?

  Up to 30 metres below ground
• What is a strategy some plants use to avoid sunlight?

  They bloom at night to escape drying
• What is the productivity level in deserts mainly due to?

  Lack of moisture and humus
• How can crops like vegetables be grown in deserts?

  With irrigation
• What is an oasis?

  A fertile place in the desert with water
• What types of vegetation can be found in large oases?

  Date palms and other vegetation
• What crops can inhabited oases support?

  Cultivated crops of vines, vegetables, and tobacco