Question

list 5 animals that live in the desert. Write a paragraph telling me how they can survive in this particular biome. What features do each have.

Answer 1

5 desert animals are camel, sand cat, desert tortoises, desert lizards and the great road runner.

Explanation:

• Camel has several physiological and behavioral adaptations that help them survive the extreme conditions of the desert. They have flat feet to help them spread their weight in the sand.
• They have thick eyelashes and closeable nostrils to prevent the entry of sand. They store fat on their humps that supplies energy during long journeys and has a long large intestine which increases water reabsorption.

• Sand cat is similar to the domestic cat in basic appearance but has several adaptations enabling it to survive in the desert. Their paws are covered with thick and long hairs to protect the feet from the heat. They have thick fur that acts as an insulting surface during hot days and cold nights.  

• Desert tortoises have excellent water storage capacity. Their bladders are larger than normal and can carry extra water. They have strong feet which helps them to dig holes in the sand and access rainwater.

• Desert lizards can drink water through skin. They do it by a process called cutaneous water acquisition and it helps them to gather water obtained from rainfall, damp sand and pools.

• Great roadrunner has peculiar adaptations. The digestive system of the bird retrieves water from the feces as it is in the excretory canal.