Question

Organisms that live in desert and desert-scrub biomes have developed unique adaptations that aid in their survival. Coyotes are crepuscular desert mammals that grow to be approximately three feet tall and weigh between 20 and 50 pounds when full-grown. How does being crepuscular help enable the coyote to survive the heat of the desert?

a.
It is only active at dawn and dusk
b.
It is only active at noon
c.
It is only active at night
d.
It is only active in the morning

Answer 1

a. It is only active at dawn and dusk.

Being active at dawn and dusk (twilight) lets coyotes avoid the extreme midday heat while still foraging in relatively warm, but not hot, conditions—reducing water loss and overheating.