Question

Organisms that live in desert and desert-scrub biomes have developed unique adaptations that aid in their survival. The Sahara Desert takes up ten percent of the continent of Africa, and is the largest desert in the world. The species that live in the Sahara are highly adapted to survive in the extreme conditions they live in. What morphological and physiological adaptations might be seen in the organisms that live in the Sahara Desert?
a.
water absorbing skin, large eyes for hunting at night, webbed feet
b.
light colored fur or feathers for camouflage, dense layer of fat and fur for warmth, hibernation during cold months
c.
small bodies and long limbs in warm-blooded organisms, light colored fur or feathers to reflect sunlight, lack of sweat glands in many organisms, hibernation during hot months
d.
dark colored fur or feathers for heat absorption, large bodies and short limbs, consumption of primarily scrub and short grasses



Please select the best answer from the choices provided


A
B
C
D

Answer 1

Answer: c.  small bodies and long limbs in warm-blooded organisms, light colored fur or feathers to reflect sunlight, lack of sweat glands in many organisms, hibernation during hot months

Explanation:

Any adaptation of organisms in the Sahara desert will be ones that enable the organism to survive the heat as best as possible. Any adaptation that traps or absorbs heat will most likely not be seen here.

Organisms are likely to have small bodies to reduce the area that can be affected by the sun as well as fur and feathers that reflect sunlight to reduce the impact of the extreme Sahara sun on their bodies.

A lack of sweat glands are common with desert animals to avoid extreme water loss and it will be common to see organisms hibernating in periods that are especially hot so as not to be adversely affected by the heat.