Adaptations To Deserts


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Adaptations To Deserts

Adaptations For Deserts  :  

Plants :  Plants have developed adaptation to survive in the hot and dry climate of the deserts most plants have long roots that go deep into the soil in search of water

Adaptations for Desert Habitats

Plant life: In desert, the temperature is high and there is a shortage of water. Some of the adaptations found in desert plants are as follows.

  • Most plants have long roots that penetrate deep inside the soil in search of water. 
  • Many plants such as cacti have fleshy stems to store water. They are called succulent plants. The stem is also covered with a thick waxy layer that helps to retain water. 
  • High temperature causes great water loss from leaves. To prevent this, leaves this, leaves in cactus are reduced to spines. This prevents loss of water by transpiration.
  • Xerophytic plants are the one which can survive under the low water conditions. The region of the Earth which is dry and hot  is desert. The organisms in this environment posses different adaptations to survive.
  • A cactus has the following modification;

  • The stem is green to make food for the plant.
  • The stem is swollen and fleshy to store water.
  • Cactus has a thickly, waxy coating that prevents water loss and help s it to retain water.
  •                        

    Animals : Desert animals have adapted themselves to live in their habitat in the following way. Camel has long eyelashes and ear hairs to protect them from sand.

    1.  Fat stored in a camel hump acts as a food reserve.

    2.  Its long legs keep it body away from hot sand.

    3.  Broad feet help in walking on the sand without sinking in it.

    4.  It can keep its nostrils closed to keep out sand.

    5.  It does not drink water it gets all the water it need from its food.                    

    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Camels have long legs which help to ____________

    Right Option : B
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    Question : 2

    Plants give water through the pores present under their leaves. Plants living in deserts need to reduce the loss of water because water is scarce in desrts. What are the pores present in leaves called?

    Right Option : C
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    Question : 3

    Increased temperature cause great loss of water from the leaves of the plants. Which type of adaptations these plants show to reduce this loss ?

    Right Option : C
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