Adaptations of Desert Organisms!!

The Australian Mulga

Behavioural Adaptations

• Its a perennial (it lives for more than one season)
• It closes its stomata or pores during the hottest parts of the day
• It opens  its pores in the morning and evening when its cooler.

Structural Adaptations

• The shape of the tree to collect rainfall
• Leaves and branches point upwards so rain is directed to the trunk
• Deep roots to soak up water
• Leaves are waxy to help them from drying out

Functional Adaptations

• Its unique way that it collects water
• Photosynthesis - it uses this process to make food and energy
• Stores water and nutrients

The Barking Spider

Behavioural Adaptations

• Makes a barking sound by rubbing spines on its lower jaw
• This barking sound is used to keep predators away

Structural Adaptations

• They have gill like lungs that require heat
• They are built for digging
• They are large and hairy
• They have two palaps that are used for touching and moving prey
• They have brush feet with claw tufts to climb smooth surfaces

Functional Adaptation

• Large fangs to break the skin
• Their venom is similar to a wasp sting
• This paralyses their prey for food

Bibliography

• www.colf.edu
• www.eoearth.org
• www.creepycrwlies.info
• Discover & learn about Australian Deserts & Aridlands

Thank you for watching