Desert and Desert-Scrub Biomes

Question 1

Which of the following is not true about the Sahara desert?a.it is almost as large as the United Statesb.occupies central and southern Africac.has sand dunes almost 600 feet highd.has a 3 million year history

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B

Question 2

How is a crepuscular schedule an adaptation of desert animals to heat and lack of water in their environment?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Being active at dawn and dusk lets desert animals avoid the hottest hours of the day. They are less likely to overheat and lose water, while resting in cooler sheltered places during the day conserves water and energy.

Question 3

Explain why the amount of rainfall a region receives is a better determination of whether it is a desert than temperature.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Rainfall is a better way to identify a desert because deserts are defined by how little precipitation they receive. Temperature can vary widely: deserts may be hot or cold, but they are all very dry.

Question 4

Summarize the adaptations that allow the creosote bush to survive for up to 2 years without water.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The creosote bush limits water loss with small, waxy leaves and may shed its leaves during severe drought. Its extensive root system can absorb scarce rainfall quickly, allowing the plant to conserve water and survive long dry periods—sometimes up to two years without rain.

Question 5

Which of the following is the classic hot and dry desert?a.arid desertb.coastal desertc.cold desertd.none of the above

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A

Question 6

Which of the following best describes daily temperatures in deserts?a.hot during the day and cold at nightb.hot during the day and warm at nightc.cool during the day and very cold at nightd.they depend upon the type of desert and its location

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 7

When the Barrel and Saguaro cacti absorb moisture they store it _______.a.in their rootsb.in their spinesc.in the flesh of their barrelsd.in underground root nodules

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C

Question 8

Explain how the root systems in desert shrubs are adapted to help the plants survive drought conditions.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Many desert shrubs have shallow, spreading roots that can quickly absorb water from brief, light rains over a large area. Some also have deep roots that reach water farther underground, helping the plants survive long dry periods.

Question 9

Jackrabbits’ large ears are an adaptation for _______.a.hunting preyb.enhanced hearingc.storing waterd.dissipating heat

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 10

Summarize how early Joey birth in kangaroos is an advantageous adaptation for life in arid conditions.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Kangaroos have a short pregnancy, so a tiny, undeveloped joey is born and completes most of its development in the pouch. This reduces the mother’s demands during pregnancy, and she can pause the development of another embryo when conditions are poor, conserving resources during drought.

Desert and Desert-Scrub Biomes Answers

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