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 Desert:
Animals
At
first glance, deserts may appear to be
without animal life. However, deserts
are home to many reptiles, insects, birds,
and small mammals. The kangaroo mice of
North America and the bilby and red kangaroo
of Australia are just a few examples of
small mammals that live in the desert.
Most large animals have not adapted to
desert life. Their size prevents them
from finding shelter from the Sun's heat
and they are not able to store water for
future use. Animals that do survive in
the desert have developed a number of
adaptations. Photo:
Red Kangaroo.
 Animal
adaptations
The most universal behavioral adaptation used by small mammals,
reptiles, and insects to deal with high temperatures is staying
in the shadow (shade) of plants or rocks, thus avoiding the direct
rays of the Sun. These animals also seek shelter by burrowing into
the ground. Just as a basement room is cooler than an above-ground
room, a burrow, even a few feet underground, can decrease the temperature
by several degrees. Another behavioral adaptation used by desert
animals is to remain inactive during the hot daylight hours. They
hunt at night when temperatures are cool and when there is less
risk of losing precious body water. Animals that use this adaptation
are referred to as nocturnal. Some animals get all of the water
they need from the insects, bulbs, and seeds they eat. They will
not drink water even when it is available. Photos
© 2000-www.arttoday.com
Some animals have developed
salt glands, a physical adaptation that allows the secretion of
salt without the loss of water. The absence of sweat glands, and
the concentration of urine are other physical adaptations made by
desert animals. Because fat intensifies heat, a unique physical
adaptation of some desert animals is the storage of fat in humps
or tails, rather than throughout the entire body.
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