Vocabulary
What is an adaptation?
A special trait that a plant or animals has that helps them survive in their ecosystem.
What animal has very large ears that help them cool down in hot weather?
The Fennec Fox
This little bird uses burrows to hide from predatory animals.
The Burrowing Owl
Why do desert plants have spines?
Spines help protect desert plants from being eaten by other animals.
What is the biggest threat to plants and animal biodiversity? Name at least two things.
Plants and animals are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, disease, climate change, and invasive plants or animals
What is a desert?
A desert is any region that receives less than 10 inches of rain or snow a year.
The Peninsular Pronghorn
This reptile is an excellent water saver. It gets most of its water from the food it eats and can dig burrows that are up to 30 feet long.
The Desert Tortoise
Why do desert plants like cactus have thick, fleshy stems?
Cacti have thick stems because it helps them save water.
How can you help save the desert tortoise?
By closing your trashcan lid and reducing your trash in general
What does conservation mean?
Conservation means to protect or save a certain species or ecosystem that plants and animals rely on.
What animal has very large horns that helps them cool down in high deserts?
The Ankole Cattle
This bird is very smart and has become a major predator of the desert tortoise.
The Raven
Name two adaptations of desert plants
Desert plants conserve water through minimizing evaporation
Desert plants do not have large leaves
Desert plants have fleshy stems (like cacti)
Desert plants often have spines or fleshy leaves (as with succulents)
Where are deserts located?
Deserts are located all over the world, even in Antarctica.
What does burrowing mean?
To burrow means to make a shelter or home underground.
This animal is a marsupial that licks its arms in order to cool down.
Why are reptiles very good at living in a desert environment?
Reptiles get almost all of their water from the plants or animals that they eat. They also can tolerate extremely high temperatures, can burrow, and are good at hiding.
Name two desert plants
Cacti
Cholla Cactus
Creosote
Mesquite
Smoke trees
Joshua Trees
Yucca
agave
How do zoos help to protect desert animals?
Zoos protect animals by helping to increase population numbers, by breeding animals that are endangered or threatened, and by supporting other organizations in helping protect animals.
What does poaching mean?
This animal has a large hump that stores fat for long periods of time without food.
Camel
How does the desert iguana evade predators?
By squeezing into very small spaces, running quickly, or by blending into its surroundings.