Question

How do desert plants and animals adapt themselves to their surroundings?

Answer 1

Desert plants have adapt to the extremes of heat and aridity by using both physical and behavioral mechanisms, similar to desert animals. Plants that adapted by altering their physical structure are called xerophytes. Xerophytes, such as cacti, usually have special means of storing and conserving water. They often have few or no leaves, which reduces transpiration. Phreatophytes are plants that have adapted to arid environments by growing extremely long roots, allowing them to acquire moisture at or near the water table. Desert perennials often survive by remaining dormant during dry periods of the year, then springing to life when water becomes available.