Ch 5 - Exploring the Desert Flashcards
How often does it rain in the desert?
Once or twice a year.
How do plants get water in the desert?
When it rains, they soak up and store the water, which lasts a long time.
Name some desert animals and tell how they get water.
kangaroo rat: from the moisture found in the seed they eat
jack rabbit: licks the dew of plants in the early morning and the evening
desert tortoise: eats cactus and other plants that store water
What kinds of animals can be found in the desert?
amphibians
reptiles
birds
mammals
invertebrates
What kinds of animals are you NOT likely to find in a desert?
fish
Which part of a desert plant are its leaves?
The thorns and stickers are its leaves.
What else do desert plants have to prevent the loss of stored water?
They have a waxy coating.
Where do many desert animals live?
Many desert animals live under the ground in dens, tunnels, or burrows.
Where do birds live in the desert?
Birds make their nests in cactus plants.
Where do some snakes live in the desert?
Some snakes live in crevices (narrow openings) of rocks.
When do most desert animals search for food?
They look for food in the early morning or at night, when it is coolest.
