Desert and Desert-Scrub Biomes – Flashcards

Organisms that live in desert and desert-scrub biomes have developed unique adaptations that aid in their survival. Coyotes are crepuscular desert mammals that grow to be approximately three feet tall and weigh between 20 and 50 pounds when full-grown. How does being crepuscular help enable the coyote to survive the heat of the desert? a. It is only active at dawn and dusk b. It is only active at noon c. It is only active at night d. It is only active in the morning Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Desert plants are often widely spaced due to competition for rainwater. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

The defining characteristic of deserts is _______. a. low rainfall b. high temperatures c. lizards d. cacti Please select the best answer from the choices provided

What are some adaptations of the kangaroo rat that allow it to survive in the desert biome? a. builds underground burrows, hunts at night, obtains water from its food b. builds nests inside trunks of large plants, hunts during daylight hours, obtains water from its food c. builds underground burrows, hunts at night, requires a water source for drinking d. builds exposed nests under brush and scrub, hunts at night, obtains water from its food Please select the best answer from the choices provided

The Sahara desert is able to support large populations of grazing herbivores. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Transpiration is best described as _______. a. water evaporation through pores in leaves b. water evaporation through roots c. water absorption through pores in leaves d. water absorption through roots Please select the best answer from the choices provided

During extreme dry periods tortoises will eliminate waste _______. a. as a watery urine b. as a white paste c. only at night d. only in the morning Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Which of the following deserts is characterized by moderately warm to cool temperatures? a. arid b. semi-arid c. coastal d. cold Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Which behavior would you most likely expect to find in a desert animal? a. grooming others of their species b. giving birth under tree shelter c. eating in large groups d. sleeping during the day Please select the best answer from the choices provided