Answer to Question #173943 in Ecology for Abhishek Gaurav

Question

Describe the ecological adaptations in plants and animals when there is 

scarcity or abundance of water with labeled diagrams. (10)

Answer 1

(i) Adaptations of desert plants:

Plants found in deserts are well adapted to cope with harsh desert conditions such as water scarcity and scorching heat. Plants have an extensive root system to tap underground water. They bear thick cuticles and sunken stomata on the surface of their leaves to reduce transpiration.

In Opuntia, the leaves are entirely modified into spines and photosynthesis is carried out by green stems.

Desert plants have special pathways to synthesize food, called CAM (C₄ pathway). It enables the stomata to remain closed during the day to reduce the loss of water through transpiration.

(ii) Adaptations of desert animals:

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.

Desert lizards and snakes bask in the sun during early morning and burrow themselves in the sand during afternoons to escape the heat of the day. These adaptations occur in desert animals to prevent the loss of water.