L2- Hot Deserts

Question 1

How much rainfall does an arid region receive per year?

Answer 1

Less than 250mm

Question 2

What temperatures can deserts reach up to?

Answer 2

58 degrees C

Question 3

What’s the specialist term for a plant’s adaptations?

Answer 3

Xerophytic

Question 4

Name 3 adaptations plants have to TOLERATE drought.

Answer 4

Extensive but shallow root systems (50m wide), shedding leaves to prevent water loss via transpiration, photosynthesis with low leaf moisture

Question 5

Name 1 plant adaptation and its effect in the desert that helps to AVOID drought.

Answer 5

Seeds only germinate with high soil moisture- seed germination after heavy rain attracts insects

Question 6

What are the advantages of an extensive yet shallow root system?

Answer 6

Larger surface area covered to absorb as much water (little rainfall), fast and effective water absorption

Question 7

Name a few adaptations that a cactus has.

Answer 7

Spikes/thorns as protection against animals, waxy cuticles to prevent water loss, closed stomata to prevent water loss, round shape reduces surface area:volume ratio

Question 8

Where can trees store water?

Answer 8

Reservoirs in their short, fat trunks

Question 9

How can insects get water in the desert?

Answer 9

They collect moisture from air by condensing mist.

Question 10

When is the best time for animals to interbreed?

Answer 10

During rainy seasons- better time to raise offspring I.e. Red Kangaroos

Question 11

Name a few adaptations that a camel has.

Answer 11

Hump of fat reduces insulation, hump of fat can also be broken down into water where water is scarce, long eyelashes prevent sand getting into eyes, large feet to walk over sand

Question 12

What could be a reason for drought in deserts?

Answer 12

Hot temperatures mean evaporation>rainfall, fast evaporation so animals/xerophytes must adapt accordingly, little crops/soil to absorb/maintain water

Question 13

Describe the process of evapotranspiration- why should it be avoided by plants?

Answer 13

Transpiration is when water from plant leaves and stomata evaporate- plants want to maintain as much water as possible in the hot temperatures.

Question 14

How do ocean currents affect desert formations?

Answer 14

Cold ocean currents cool the air, making it harder for air to hold moisture. Therefore most rain falls before reaching land, hence forming a desert.

Question 15

How are deserts formed near mountainous regions?

Answer 15

Mountain rain shadows- air is forced over a mountain and condenses at the top, making the drier air sink to the other side of the mountain.

Question 16

How does high air pressure lead to an arid region?

Answer 16

Air at the equator causes warm, moist air to rise and condense, however the air then moves north/south to an area of high pressure where it sinks as cold, dry air, meaning less rain falls on the desert.