In some areas of the world, deserts are expanding into places that were once forests. During this process, some of the forest trees will die off because of the change in climate. But, some of the trees may survive this process. What adaptation would give a tree a chance to survive this environmental change?

Question

In some areas of the world, deserts are expanding into places that were once forests. During this process, some of the forest trees will die off because of the change in climate.  But, some of the trees may survive this process. What adaptation would give a tree a chance to survive this environmental change?

Bot · Answer

One adaptation that could give a tree a chance to survive the environmental change of a forest turning into a desert is having a deep root system. The deep roots can reach water sources below the surface and provide the tree with the necessary resources to survive in the new, drier environment. Additionally, the tree could have a thick, waxy outer layer on its leaves to reduce water loss through transpiration.