Hot Deserts Flashcards
interdependence
the dependence of two or more things on each other
the living components and physical environment of hot deserts are
interconnected
two examples of interconnections in hot deserts
desert plants need animals to help them pollinate (reproduce)
cacti store water for animals to drink
what are the main goals of adaptations of plants and animals in hot deserts
maintaining enough water to deal with high aridity, deterring predators,
dealing with temperature ranges (extremely hot to extremely cold)
how is the cactus plants adapted?
slow growth minimizes the use of water, root webs collect water, spines deter predators
how is a creosote bush adapted?
varnish on leaves stops transpiration (holds more water), bad smell and taste deters predators, deep and wide roots collect water
how are ocotillo plants adapted?
stays dormant until rainfall which means it uses very little energy until it has the water needed to carry out its functions
how are camels adapted
can go a week or more without water and several months without food,
body temperature fluctuates depending on external temperature, wide feet help them walk on sand
how is the fennec fox adapted?
large ears dissipate excess heat on hot days,
thick fur insulates them on cold nights,
nocturnal lifestyle restricts water loss as they are exposed to less heat,
kidneys restrict water loss
