Write a short note on (a) Adaptations of desert plants and animals
Final answer Adaptations of desert animals and plants (i) Adaptations of desert plants Plants that live in deserts are well modified to manage harsh desert environments like scorching heat and water scarcity. Plants contain a widespread root system to tap underground water. They have sunken stomata and dense cuticles on the surface of their leaves to decrease transpiration. In Opuntia, the leaves are completely adapted into spines and photosynthesis is performed by green stems. Desert plants possess distinct pathways to produce food, known as CAM ( pathway). It permits the stomata to persist closed throughout the day to decrease the water loss through transpiration. (ii) Adaptations of desert animals Animals that live in deserts like desert lizards, kangaroo rats, snakes, etc. are well modified to their environment. The kangaroo rat lives in the deserts of Arizona not ever drink water in its life. It can focus its urine to preserve water. Desert snakes and lizards laze around in the sunshine throughout the early morning and tunnel themselves in the earth throughout afternoons to avoid the heat of the day. These adaptations take place in desert animals to avoid water loss.
