Cacti
Adaptations
Biotic or Abiotic
Desert Ecosystems
Video Q's
Double Negative...
100
The _______ cactus native to Mexico, California and Arizona generally grows to about 40 feet tall. 
Saguaro cactus
100
These structures on cacti help reduce air flow and protect from animals.
Needles
100
Temperature
abiotic
100
This term describes the unique climate and environment found in deserts.
ecosystem
100
Daily Double!!!!!
The video about Cochineals listed and showed several products that utilize this dye, name as many as you can.
Maximum 500pts
Nerds candy, airheads, strawberry yoghurt, lipstick, M&Ms
100
This term describes non-living factors like soil and temperature.
Abiotic
200
The end of a cactus needle may be difficult to remove from the skin, as these hook-like structures, similar to a fish hook, are often found at the tip.
Barb
200
These small openings on plant leaves or cactus stems regulate gas exchange and water loss.
Stomata
200
Bacteria
Biotic
Bacteria are biotic factors because they are living organisms that play essential roles in our ecosystems. They help with things like recycling nutrients and supporting plant growth, making them an important part of life on Earth!
200
The main type of vegetation in the Colorado Plateaus
Sagebrush
200
Cochineals, tiny bugs raised on cactuses, produce a vibrant dye that is this color?
Red
200
A geographic area that is defined by its distinct ecological characteristics, including climate, soil type, vegetation, and wildlife.
*from the pdf we used for our desert posters
Ecoregion
300
These green pigments are responsible for the color of cacti and play a crucial role in photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll
300
The stem of a cactus expands like this musical instrument that has pleated sections.
Accordion
300
Sunlight
abiotic
300
The Colorado collared lizard blends in with its surrounding. Its ability to blend is an _____ that allows it to survive in its environment. 
Adaptation
300
This rodent is known for building nests among rocks and is a common inhabitant of desert environments.
Packrat
300
Plants that have adapted to survive in arid environments.*hint from our crossword puzzle
Xerophyte
400
This waterproof coating on the surface of cacti helps prevent water loss, acting like a natural barrier against the harsh desert environment.
Waxy Cuticle
400
Cacti use this process to minimize water loss.
Transpiration
400
An antler 
Biotic
Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, which include all organisms, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
Thus, because antlers are associated with a living animal and are formed from living tissue, they are considered biotic factors within an ecosystem.
400
A common type of wildlife found in the desert.
Pronghorn
400
This term describes areas of land that receive less than 10 inches of rainfall each year.
Desert
400
Another name for the cactus family
Cactaceae
500
The primary source of water for cacti.
Rain
500
This type of cell in cacti is specialized for water storage.
Tracheids
500
Soil
Abiotic
- Soil is made up of tiny pieces of rocks, minerals, and organic matter (like decomposed plants and animals). It also has water and air in it.
- Because soil is made of non-living things, we call it an abiotic factor.
500
This cactus, which includes two distinct species, is endemic to the Colorado and Gunnison River basins and is known for its distinctive pink flowers that bloom in late April and early May.
This cactus is also the same type of cactus we used in our terrariums.
Colorado Hookless Cactus
500
Desertification describes the process where fertile land becomes desert due to factors like _______ and climate change.
deforestation
500
Mexico once led the cochineal market, but now this country has taken over this industry. 
Peru