L2 - Hot ozzie deserts Flashcards
Why do Cacti have spines/needle leaves instead of normal leaves?
These minimise the surface area and so reduce water loss via transpiration. The spines also protect it from possible animals that might eat them
Why do desert plants have large roots
To be able to gain more water and nutrients, as the larger roots allow for larger area to collect them from
What is coniferous forest
Temperate coniferous forest is a terrestrial biome found in temperate regions of the world with warm summers and cool winters and adequate rainfall to sustain a forest. ~ definition of Google
In terms of latitude, whereabouts are the areas that receive ‘annual drought’
20° North or 20° South
Which places do desert plants store their water
Water can be held in the set, the roots and the leaves/needle leaves
What are the three plant adaptations?
Drought tolerance
Succulents
Drought avoidance
What are stomata
They are small pores/dotted holes in the leaves of a plant. Stomata open and close to allow the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen. However if the stomata are left open for too long, water loss can occur
Why do kangaroo’s hop?
It is an energy efficient form of travel
Why do red kangaroo’s only breed in rainy seasons?
The rain triggers hormonal response in females allowing them to have babies.
When does a red kangaroo choose to go looking for food and water, and why?
Either at dawn or at dusk as that’s when the temperature is at its coolest, they need less energy to get the food and water they need
What is ‘dew’
Dew is tiny water droplets that form on cool surfaces in the night, when atmospheric vapour condenses
What is the average rainfall for Chile’s Atacama desert?
1mm per year (areas in the desert have not see rain for over 400 years though)
