Question

Write note an adaptation of desert plants and animals

Answer 1

Adaptation of desert plants includes thick waxy skin, thorns, spikes and deep roots and for desert animals, common adaptations include light coloured coats, humps to store fat etc.

In plants, the large, flush stems help to store water and deep roots help enhance them to tap groundwater. The thick waxy coating of the plants helps reduce evaporative loss of water and keeps them cooler.

In animals, the light coloured coat protects them from the sun's heat. Several desert animals such as snakes and lizards burrow themselves in the afternoon and bask in the early morning sun.

These adaptations help both the desert plants and animals to adapt to arid conditions.

Answer 2

Answer:

1. Plants found in deserts are well adapted to cope with water scarcity and scorching heat of the desert. Plants have an extensive root system to tap underground water. They bear thick cuticles and sunken stomata on the surface of their leaves to reduce transpiration.