Hot Desert Adaptations (AQA GCSE Geography): Revision Notes

2.3.2 Hot Desert Adaptations

Plant Adaptations

• Small Leaves
  • Ensure less water is lost from the plant by transpiration because the leaf has a smaller surface area.
• Tap Roots
  • Long roots (7-10 metres long) that reach deep underground to access water supplies.
  • Much longer and bigger than the plant visible at the surface.

Plant Adaptations

• Spines
  • Some plants have spines instead of leaves (e.g., cacti).
  • Spines lose less water than leaves and are efficient in a hot climate.
  • Spines also prevent animals from eating the plant.
• Waxy Skin
  • Some leaves have a thick, waxy skin on their surface, reducing water loss by transpiration.
• Water Storage
  • Some plants, known as succulents, store water in their stems, leaves, roots, or fruits.
  • Plants that store water in their leaves and stems also have thick waxy skin, reducing water loss by transpiration.

How Have Animals Adapted?

Camel Adaptations

Camel Adaptations

• Long Eye Lashes, Hairy Ears, and Closing Nostrils
  • Help keep out sand.
• Thick Eyebrows
  • Stand out and shade eyes from the sun.
• Wide Feet
  • Prevent sinking in the sand.
• Water Conservation
  • Can go without water for over a week because they can drink gallons in one go.
  • Can go months without food, storing fat in their humps.
• Temperature Regulation
  • Body temperature can change to avoid losing water through sweating.
• Camouflage
  • Well camouflaged to blend into their environment.
• Behaviour
  • Thick fur helps to keep them warm at night.

Fennec Fox Adaptations

Fennec Foxes

• Nocturnal to stay cool at night.
• Large ears provide a large surface area to lose heat and are covered in fur to insulate.