Question

What behavioural adaptation does a desert fox have to help it survive in hot places

Answer 1

1. Their large ears help dissipate excess body heat on hot days in the desert. 2. The fennec fox seems to be the only carnivore living in the Sahara Desert able to survive without free water. Their kidneys are adapted to restrict water loss, their extensive burrowing may cause the formation of dew, which can then be consumed, and they will receive moisture from the food that they eat. 3. Their burrowing and nocturnal lifestyle helps restrict water loss. 4. Their thick fur helps insulate them from the cold desert nights. 5. Their sandy fur helps to reflect heat, and also provides excellent camouflage. 6. Fennec foxes also have thick fur on the soles of their feet, which insulate against the hot sand of the desert. This extra fur on the soles of their feet also affords them excellent traction in the loose sand.