2.3.4

Adaptation of Animals to Hot Deserts

Test yourself

How Animals are Adapted to Hot Deserts

Animals in hot deserts have adaptations that allow them to handle the physical conditions of high temperatures and limited water supply.

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Jackrabbits

  • Jackrabbits are like normal rabbits, but they have huge ears.
  • This gives them a high surface area to volume ratio, meaning they can lose heat easily.
  • Fennec foxes also have larger ears than normal foxes.
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Coyotes

  • Coyotes live in the hot deserts in the United States of America.
  • Coyotes, like antelope squirrels, live in hot deserts and are nocturnal.
  • Being nocturnal means that animals avoid having to move or use energy when it is the hottest part of the day. They can shelter in the shade.
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Camels

  • Like succulent plants, camels store water for long periods of time.
  • Camels store water in their bloodstream (not their humps).
  • Camel humps store fat, which means that camels have a food source if they are stuck in the desert for a long time. The fat in a camel's humps can also be turned into water if needed.
  • Camels' feet have a very wide surface area to make sure that they don't get stuck in soft sand. This uses the same mechanism as snowshoes to stay above snow.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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