Plants and animals both need water to survive. Water is in short
supply in deserts, so only specialized plants and animals can survive in
this harsh environment. The hot temperatures found in many deserts
also make it a challenging habitat to live in. Plants and animals of the
desert have adaptations that help them survive and thrive in the
desert. An adaptation is a gradual change in structure, function, or
form that improves the chance of survival for an animal or plant
within a given environment.
Like many plants found in the desert, this
cactus has shallow roots that spread out
just under the sand. This allows the plant
to quickly take in any rain that falls. The
waxy, thick skin of the plant helps keep
water from evaporating from the plant
(transpiration) and the spines help
conserve water and discourages animals
from eating the plant.
Snakes of the desert get much of the
water they need from the prey they
eat – lizards, mice and rats. Most
snakes are nocturnal or active at
night when it is cooler. Snakes will
find a shady area to rest during the
hottest part of the day.
The Jackrabbit pictured here
has large ears which allow it to
cool its body temperature. The
blood vessels in the ears allow
heat to escape the rabbit’s
body. Its strong legs help it
escape predators and its light
brown color helps it to blend in
with the sand and rocks.
The desert tortoise is an herbivore
that eats cactus plants and desert
grasses or flowers. The tortoise can
go long periods without eating or
drinking when food and/or water are
in short supply. The tortoise avoids
the heat of the day by digging
burrows into the ground.
The desert is home to various
insects and spiders. These
small organisms are important
to the desert food web. Even
though they are tiny, they also
must have adaptations to the
heat and minimal water of the
environment.
The cactus is an important producer in the
desert ecosystem. They serve as both a
source of food and water for herbivores
such as bighorn sheep, turtles, and other
consumers. Birds sometimes build nests in
cactus plants and use the spines for
protection. The spines are actually leaves
that have adapted to prevent water loss.
The kangaroo rat never drinks water. It gets all of the
water it needs from the foods it eats including desert
plants, flowers and seeds. This animal is nocturnal and
burrows to escape the heat of the day. Its light colored
fur also keeps the animal from absorbing too much heat
from the Sun.
Today, many animals and plants live
successfully in the deserts around the
world. There are many kinds of reptiles,
insects, birds, mice and other small
mammals. These creatures all have one
thing in common. They have adapted to
their hot, dry home.
The roadrunner is
very fast. This
adaptation helps it
catch food that
might be scarce.