Xerophytic Adaptations

Question 1

Succulents

Answer 1

Fairly fat fleshy plants that are able to store water in their leaves, trunks and roots.
E.g. Cacti

Question 2

Ephemeral

Answer 2

These have very short life cycles (6-8 weeks).

Take advantage of very short wet seasons to pollinate.

Question 3

Long and Wide roots

Answer 3

Desert plants have very long wide roots.
Making them able to absorb the maximum amount of water, during short periods of rain.
Also makes them stable in loose soil.

Question 4

Spiky and waxy Surfaces

Answer 4

Spikes and wax protect plants from damage or being eastern.

E.g. Cacti

Question 5

Nocturnal

Answer 5

Many animals hide in burrows during the hot daytime hours.
Only to emerge at night.
E.g. Snakes and Desert mice

Question 6

Camels

Answer 6

Camels store fatty tissue in this humps.

When metabolised, it releases water and fat, enabling them to live.

Question 7

Deseret elephants

Answer 7

Walk up to 50 miles per day.

Toughest elephant breed.

Question 8

Death Valley bloom

Answer 8

Hottest place on earth.
Seeds dormant for 30years can burst into life after a small shower.
Lay dormant for centuries.