Deserts support unique plant and animal life through adaptations that help them thrive in the harsh desert conditions. Plants in deserts have evolved to store water, have deep root systems, and have waxy coatings to prevent water loss. Animals in deserts have developed efficient ways to conserve water, such as nocturnal behavior, burrowing underground, and specialized kidney functions. These adaptations allow plants and animals to survive and even thrive in the extreme heat and limited water availability of desert ecosystems.