HOT: How Climate Influences Nature

Question 1

Four ways in which climate influences nature of the eco-system?

Answer 1

• Strong winds and shifting sand create UNSTABLE SURFACES, making it difficult for vegetation to grow.
• Suffer from DROUGHT, both animals and plants.
• Soils are THIN and INFERTILE because lack of rain.
• HIGH EVAPORATION, exposing soil to wind and water erosion.

Question 2

What is cryptobiotic crust and how has it adapted to hot climatic conditions?

Answer 2

• Sticks to rock surfaces and as a result the loose soil material is BOUND together by sticky sugars and protected from wind and water erosion.
• This also increases soil INFILTRATION and absorb and store rain water.
• Roughened surface of crust SLOWS RUN OFF.
• SENSITIVE to being COMPRESSED, this ruins them and means they don’t work. DUST falling on them even compresses them.

Question 3

How have cacti adapted? (5)

Answer 3

• STOMATA PORES in the plant’s leaves and stem lets water vapour ESCAPE and exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• WAXY LAYER covering outer plant wall reduces WATER LOSS.
• SPINES and THORNES to protect from overgrazing.
• Store water in FLESHY LEAVES.
• NEEDLES prevent waterloss and DETER animals away.

Question 4

What are succulents?

Answer 4

Plants that STORE WATER in fleshy stems and leaves.

Question 5

How have small animals adapted? (4)

Answer 5

• Less able to migrate due to their size.
• Have an easy time finding shelter.
• Require less food and water to live.
• Light in colour to reflect heat and blend into background.

Question 6

How have kangaroo rats adapted? (3)

Answer 6

• Only consume plant matter
• Its body produces water by metabolising the food it eats
• Spends hottest day light hours sleeping in a cool underground burrow