Question

Organisms that live in desert and desert-scrub biomes have developed unique adaptations that aid in their survival. The Sahara Desert takes up ten percent of the continent of Africa, and is the largest desert in the world. The species that live in the Sahara are highly adapted to survive in the extreme conditions they live in. What morphological and physiological adaptations might be seen in the organisms that live in the Sahara Desert?

a.
water absorbing skin, large eyes for hunting at night, webbed feet
b.
light colored fur or feathers for camouflage, dense layer of fat and fur for warmth, hibernation during cold months
c.
small bodies and long limbs in warm-blooded organisms, light colored fur or feathers to reflect sunlight, lack of sweat glands in many organisms, hibernation during hot months
d.
dark colored fur or feathers for heat absorption, large bodies and short limbs, consumption of primarily scrub and short grasses

Answer 1

Correct answer: c.

Explanation: Desert species often have small bodies and long limbs (to dissipate heat — Allen’s rule), light-colored fur/feathers to reflect sunlight, and reduced sweating or fewer sweat glands to conserve water. Many desert animals avoid daytime heat by being nocturnal or by entering a summer torpor/estivation (often called aestivation rather than “hibernation”) during the hottest/driest periods.