Desert plants and animals adapt to the heat and lack of moisture in fascinating ways. For example, some trees such as the African acacia send roots down over 100 feet to reach groundwater. Trees and smaller plants also may send out a network of very shallow roots in order to capture even small amounts of moisture that gather on the surface. Many desert plants have very small leaves to cut down on water loss. Others, including most kinds of cactus, have sharp, needle-like spines that protect them from thirsty or hungry desert animals. Some desert animals do not drink water at all. Instead, they get moisture from the foods they eat. Others can go without food or water for many days. The camel, for example, can go without water for one to two weeks, and when it must go without food, it relies on the fat stored in its hump. Many desert animals also are nocturnal, becoming active only during the cooler nighttime hours.
WATCH THIS MOVIE WHEN YOU HAVE TIME...
IT IS AN HOUR LONG...
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