AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Desert plants are adapted to their arid environment in many ways. Small leaves on desert plants help reduce moisture loss during photosynthesis. Small leaves mean less evaporative surface per leaf. In addition, a small leaf in the sun doesn’t reach as high a temperature as a large leaf.

Detailed explanation-2: -Desert plants have developed three main adaptive strategies: succulence, drought tolerance and drought avoidance. Each of these is a different but effective suite of adaptations for prospering under conditions that would kill plants from other regions.

Detailed explanation-3: -Desert plants grow in water scarce areas, their roots are long and go deep into the soil for absorbing water. The leaves in desert plants are reduced to spines which reduces surface area and minimise water loss by transpiration.

Detailed explanation-4: -Some animals have developed salt glands, a physical adaptation that allows the secretion of salt without the loss of water. The absence of sweat glands, and the concentration of urine are other physical adaptations made by desert animals.