Adaptations

Widespread Roots

These allow the plants to reach very deep water supplies or spread out very wide near the surface to catch as much water as possible when it rains

Succulents

Eg. Cacti. These have large, fleshy stems which can store water and thick waxy skin to prevent water loss (transpiration). Some also have sharp spines to prevent animals from stealing water from their stems

Small leaves and spines

Low surface area - reducing transpiration

The seeds of some plants only germinate when it rains. What does this ensure?

That the plants grow, flower and release seeds in a few weeks which makes sure they only grow when theres enough water to survive

Nocturnal

This allows animals to spend the day in cool burrows and hunt at night when it is cooler

Long limbs or ears

Provides a large surface area to lose heat from

Fat stores

Can be broken down into water e.g camels humps

What adaptations do camels have to cope with the desert environment?

Triple eyelids - prevent sand entering the eyes

Long eyelashes - prevent sand entering the eyes

Ability to close nostrils - prevent sand entering the nose

Large, flat feet - Stops them from sinking into the sand

Long legs - Keeps the body away from the hot sand

Thick lips - Allows them to eat thorny plants

What adaptations do rattlesnakes have to cope with the desert environment?

Nocturnal

Varied diet due to lack of prey

Camoflage against birds of prey and their own prey

Conserve fluids - low amounts of urine released

What adaptations do fennec foxes have to cope with the desert environment?

Large ears - radiate heat

Thick fur - protects against temperatures

Thick fur on feet - protects against the hot sand

Nocturnal

Omnivore - wide diet

Light coloured fur - camoflage

Can go long periods without water