10. Write a short note on
(a) Adaptations of desert plants and animals
(a) Adaptations of desert plants and animals
Plants found in deserts are well adapted to overcome the harsh desert conditions such as water scarcity and scorching heat. Adaptations of desert plants include
1. To reach to underground water, plants have an extensive root system.
2. They bear thick cuticles and sunken stomata on the surface of their leaves to reduce transpiration.
3. In Opuntia, the leaves are entirely modified into spines and photosynthesis is carried out by green stems.
4. A special pathway that is C4 pathway is found to synthesize food. It enables the stomata to remain closed during the day to reduce the loss of water through transpiration.
Animals found in deserts such as desert kangaroo rats, lizards, snakes, etc. are well adapted to their habitat. The kangaroo rat found in the deserts of Arizona never drinks water in its life. It has the ability to concentrate its urine to conserve water.