Exploring the Sonoran Desert

What state is the Sonoran Desert primarily located in?

• Arizona

• Texas

• New Mexico

• California

Name one type of interaction that occurs between organisms in the Sonoran Desert.

• Predation

• Mutualism

• Parasitism

• Commensalism

What are some examples of non-living things found in the desert?

• Mountains, rivers, and oceans

• Clouds, trees, and flowers

• Rocks, sand, and water sources.

• Cacti, lizards, and snakes

Describe the desert ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert.

• The Sonoran Desert is a hot desert ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna, characterized by cacti, shrubs, and adapted wildlife.

• The Sonoran Desert is a cold tundra with no vegetation.

• The Sonoran Desert is primarily a rainforest with high humidity.

• The Sonoran Desert is a coastal ecosystem with marine life.

What types of habitats can be found within a desert ecosystem?

• Sandy dunes, rocky outcrops, salt flats, oases

• Tropical rainforests

• Coral reefs

• Grasslands

How do cacti adapt to survive in the Sonoran Desert?

• Cacti adapt to survive in the Sonoran Desert by developing thick skins, deep roots, spines, and using CAM photosynthesis.

• Cacti thrive by growing in water-rich areas.

• Cacti have no need for deep roots in sandy soil.

• Cacti use regular photosynthesis like most plants.

What role does the sun play in the ecology of the desert?

• The sun is crucial for photosynthesis, energy supply, and regulating temperature and moisture in the desert ecosystem.

• The sun has no impact on desert temperatures.

• The sun only affects the weather patterns in the desert.

• The sun causes droughts and prevents plant growth.

Explain the concept of a food web in the context of the Sonoran Desert.

• Food webs are irrelevant in desert ecosystems.

• A food web is a linear sequence of energy transfer.

• A food web in the Sonoran Desert illustrates the interconnected relationships between producers, consumers, and decomposers, showing how energy flows through the ecosystem.

• A food web only includes plants in the Sonoran Desert.

What are some common plants found in the Sonoran Desert?

• Bamboo

• Fern

• Saguaro cactus, Creosote bush, Ocotillo, Palo Verde, and Cholla cactus.

• Maple tree

How do animals in the desert conserve water?

• Living in water-filled burrows

• Animals in the desert conserve water by being nocturnal, having efficient kidneys, obtaining moisture from food, and reducing evaporation.

• Hibernating during the summer

• Drinking large amounts of water daily