Discuss any three adaptations of :
a) Burrowing animals b) Cactus c) Mountain Goat d) Pine Tree e) Deer.
Answers
Answer:
Cactus - A cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, a family comprising about 127 genera with some 1750 known species of the order Caryophyllales.
1) Moles and mole rats, she said, are examples of mammals that have adapted to moving soil in rocky, root-packed soils, in opposition to most other burrowing mammals that prefer softer, dryer sandy soils.
2) A cactus is able to survive in the desert due to the following features: (i) It has long roots that go deep inside the soil for absorbing water. (ii) Its leaves are in the form of spines to prevent water loss through transpiration. (iii) Its stem is covered with a thick waxy layer to retain water.
3) Mountain goats are built for mountain life: Thick, woolly coats protect them from cold temperatures, wind and other animals. Short, strong legs help them climb and jump on uneven surfaces.
4) The needles of pines, like those of other conifers, are well-adapted for growth in dry environments. In particular, the outer surface of pine needles has a thick waxy layer, called a cuticle, which reduces evaporative water loss.
5) Deer's coats have hollow hairs that help to keep them insulated in cold weather.
As ruminants, deer have four-chambered stomachs that allow them to chew their food quickly and then store it for further chewing and digestion later.
Deer have good senses of smell and hearing to help them notice danger.