Ch 5 Flashcards
What is a habitat?
The natural surroundings where living organisms can survive, breed, and flourish.
What are the two main categories of habitats?
Terrestrial habitats and aquatic habitats.
What is adaptation?
The presence of specific features or certain habits that enable a plant or an animal to live in its surroundings.
What are xerophytes?
Land plants that live in conditions of water scarcity.
What adaptations do desert plants have?
Desert plants have modified leaves to prevent water loss, such as spines in opuntia and a thick waxy layer on stems.
What adaptations do camels have for desert survival?
Camels have long legs, large flat feet, a hump for fat storage, and can excrete concentrated urine.
What are some examples of animals found in desert regions?
Camels, kangaroos, rats, rattlesnakes, black bucks, chinkaras, and desert foxes.
What are the main characteristics of a desert habitat?
Very hot days, cool nights, low rainfall, and high evaporation.
What is the significance of adaptations in organisms?
Adaptations help organisms survive better in their environment over thousands of generations.
What are some adaptations of desert animals?
Nocturnal behavior, living in burrows, and excreting minimal water.
What types of organisms are found in freshwater habitats?
Freshwater fish like rohu and catla, and plants like wolffia and salvinia.
What types of organisms are found in marine habitats?
Saltwater animals like mackerel, sardines, dolphins, and whales.
How do desert plants conserve water?
By having long roots that reach deep into the soil and producing drought-resistant seeds.
What is the role of abiotic components in a habitat?
Abiotic components like air, water, soil, sunlight, and heat are essential for the survival of living organisms.
What is the climate like in grassland habitats?
Moderate rain.
