Unit 1B - Hot Deserts - Characteristics, biodiversity and adaptations Flashcards
Climate of desert? Rainfall and temperature during day and night?
Less than 250mm per year.
Day to night temperatures fluctuate drastically from 50˚C during day to below 0˚C usually
What is soil like in desert?
Usually shallow, isn’t very fertile and dry
Where are deserts located?
In bands on Tropics. mostly found in dry continental interiors
What is interdependence?
The dependence of 2 or more people or things on each other
How does fatty hump on camel help?
Provides energy in times of food shortages
How does large surface area to volume ratio on camel help?
Maximises heat loss
How does thick fur on top of camel body and thin fur elsewhere help?
For shade, and thin fur elsewhere to allow easy heat loss
How does large, flat feet on camel help?
Spread their weight on sand
How does slit-like nostrils and two rows of eyelashes help camel?
Helps keep sand out of eyes
What do succulents in plants do?
Where water is stored in leaves or stems
Why does slower-growing plants help in deserts?
Requires less energy and don’t have to make as much food, thus do not lose as much water
Why do plants have small-life cycles?
Some plants germinate in response to rain, grow, flower and die within one year
How do long root systems in plants help?
Spread out wide or go deep into ground to absorb more water
How do spines (or small leaves) help plants?
Gives plant low surface area, reducing transpiration and water loss
Spines discourage animals from eating plants for water
How does the waxy coating on stems and leaves on plant help?
Helps to reduce water loss
