Adaptations in the Desert

How do desert animals use camouflage to blend in with their surroundings?

• By having colors and patterns that match the sand or rocks in their environment

• By emitting a strong odor to scare away predators

• By growing large wings to fly away quickly

• By wearing bright neon colors to stand out

Name one desert animal that has developed the ability to store water in its body.

• Giraffe

• Camel

• Penguin

• Elephant

What is one way desert plants conserve water in their leaves?

• Spiky, hairy leaves

• Large, open pores

• Thin, transparent cuticles

• Thick, waxy cuticles

How do desert plants adapt to the extreme heat of the desert?

• Thin, delicate skin to absorb more heat

• No need for water due to the extreme heat

• Shallow root systems to stay closer to the surface

• Thick, waxy skin to reduce water loss, deep root systems, and water storage in tissues

Name a desert plant that has developed a deep root system to access water underground.

• Cactus

• Palm tree

• Saguaro cactus

• Mesquite tree

What is one behavioral adaptation that desert animals use to escape the heat of the desert?

• Swimming in water

• Burrowing

• Building nests in trees

• Hibernating in the winter

How do desert animals use burrowing behavior to survive in the desert?

• By sunbathing to stay warm

• By building nests in trees

• By escaping extreme temperatures, finding shelter, and avoiding predators.

• By swimming in underground rivers

Name one desert animal that has adapted to have a light-colored fur or scales to reflect sunlight.

• Fennec fox

• Polar bear

• Arctic fox

• Penguin

What is one way desert plants reduce water loss through transpiration?

• Storing excess water in their leaves

• Increasing the surface area of their leaves

• Having small or no leaves, and having a thick waxy coating on their leaves

• Having large and thin leaves

How do desert animals use their ability to go for long periods without water to survive in the desert?

• They have developed physiological and behavioral adaptations to minimize water loss and maximize water intake.

• They store water in their humps

• They have a natural resistance to dehydration

• They rely on finding water sources frequently