Plants and animals adapt to deserts in various ways to survive the harsh conditions. Some common adaptations include:
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Plants:
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Succulent plants store water in their fleshy tissues to survive long periods of drought.
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Deep root systems help plants reach underground water sources.
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Some plants have small leaves or no leaves to minimize water loss through transpiration.
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Some plants have a waxy coating on their leaves to reduce water loss.
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Animals:
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Some animals are nocturnal to avoid the extreme heat during the day.
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Many desert animals have specialized kidneys that can concentrate urine to conserve water.
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Some animals have adaptations like long ears to dissipate heat or light-colored fur to reflect sunlight.
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Burrowing animals create underground tunnels to escape the heat and find cooler temperatures.
These adaptations help plants and animals thrive in the challenging desert environment.
