Explain how desert plants have adapted to help them survive in extreme environments
Think about the extreme conditions found in desertsHot temperaturesLack of water for long periods of timeVulnerable to animals
Think about the characteristics of these plants:Small leavesSpikesLarge stem Large roots Waxy cuticle
Connect the characteristics to the conditions to show how they have adapted:small leaves - enables a reduced surface area so the plants lose less water in the heatSpikes - Prevent animals eating them for waterWaxy cuticle - reduces water loss through a lack of evaporationLarge stem - collects and stores water so can last a long period of time without waterWidespread roots - collect water from a large area
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