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Adaptation in desert animals and plants

Total questions: 10

Worksheet time: 6mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Some grasses grow in hot dry areas. Why might they grow very deep roots?

a)

to protect the plant from sun damage

b)

to take in as much light as possible

c)

to spread seeds to new places

d)

to reach water that is underground

2.

An adaptation that helps a cactus live in the desert is its

a)

wide, flat leaves to catch water

b)

bright green color

c)

thin, spiny needles

d)

tall stems

3.

Desert plants have a coat of wax on their leaves to

a)

keep water from escaping

b)

protect them from animals eating them

c)

absorb water from the air

d)

release scent to attract animals

4.

Why does a cactus have shallow roots while other desert plants have deeper roots?

a)

Shallow roots help to absorb water quickly before it evaporates.

b)

A cactus does not need deep roots because it has a strong stem.

c)

Other plants only want to take in water that is deep underground.

d)

The water near the surface is much better for helping a cactus to grow.

5.

Adaptation:

Two rows of long eyelashes.

a)

So that they can eat prickly plants.

b)

Helps them to blend into the surroundings.

c)

Stops sand getting in its eyes.

d)

Reduces heat energy loss during cold nights.

6.

Adaptation:

Large, flat, padded feet.

a)

Stops sand getting in its eyes.

b)

Reduces heat energy loss during cold nights.

c)

Stops sand going up its nose.

d)

Prevents their feet sinking into the sand.

7.

Adaptation: Hump made of fatty tissue.

a)

Prevents their feet sinking into the sand

b)

Shade their eyes from the sun.

c)

An energy store.

d)

Allows heat energy loss during the day.

8.
Adaptations are:
a)
Body parts that help an organism survive in their environment
b)
Behaviors that help an organism survive in their environment
c)
Body parts and behaviors that help an organism survive in their environment
9.
What is NOT an adaptation of a cactus?
a)
Spines to protect it from animals
b)
A waxy coating to help seal in water.
c)
Long, deep roots that get any water in the soil.
d)
A think stem to store water. 
10.

Which of the following is true about deserts?

a)

There is no animal life.

b)

The temperature is always mild.

c)

The plants need lots of water.

d)

They are dry ecosystems.