 |
|
|
|
 |
Stop
5
Desert Animal Adaptations
This banner-tailed kangaroo rat is distinctive
with its black and white tail. |
|
Desert
animals have a variety of physical adaptations to prevent overheating
and reduce water loss. For example, jackrabbits have long ears and insects have impermeable body coverings. Many behavioral
adaptations (such as being nocturnal and living in burrows) also enable
animals to survive in the desert.
The Merriam's kangaroo
rat (Dipodomys merriami) is one of the three kangaroo
rat species found in this area. Other species are the banner-tailed
kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis) and the Ord's kangaroo
rat (Dipodomys ordii). Specialized nasal passages
and kidneys reduces water loss from the body.
Spadefoot
toads escape the harshest desert conditions by living underground
in a state of dormancy during most of the year (estivating). When heavy
rains arrive, they come to the surface to feed and reproduce quickly before
the water disappears again.
Many rodents
live in burrows to escape the heat of the day. Other animals, such
as snakes and lizards, will occupy abandoned burrows in order to take
advantage of the cooler temperatures inside |
 |
|
 |
|
|