How Do Plants And Animals Live In The Desert?
Many desert plants have thorns, spines, or a disagreeable taste or smell. This discourages animals that might eat them and so helps them survive. Little or no leaf surface prevents too much evaporation of water from the plant. When it comes to animals, they must be able to do without water for long periods, or be able to reach water holes at great distances. The camel, for example, is highly adapted to desert life. It has padded feet to walk on sand, a water-storing stomach, and humps of fat as a reserve supply of energy, and nostrils that can be closed to keep out sand during wind storms. Many of the smaller desert creatures need to drink no water at all. They get what liquid they need from the sap of food plants and from night dew on leaves or stones.
