Name: ________________________ Period: _________________ Date: __________________

Planet Earth – DesertsBased on the BBC Planet Earth DVD

The Gobi Desert1. Describe two specific abiotic factors that influence this ecosystem.

2. Give two examples of behaviors exhibited by Bactrian camels that are a direct result of the climate of the Gobi Desert.

3. This desert is the result of the rainshadow effect caused by what mountain range?

The Sahara Desert4. Give two examples of physical or behavioral adaptations that exist in the Sahara in response to the

frequent sandstorms.

5. The sand dunes are a result of a powerful force of erosion. What is this force?

6. What will eventually happen to the tall rocky peaks shown?

Deserts of Australia7. Red kangaroos are able to survive this ecosystem in spite of 70°C temperatures on the ground. Describe

three specific behavioral adaptations that protect them from the heat.

8. What visible adaptation do the Fennec Foxes have to deal with the desert heat?

9. Many of the animals of the Sahara desert are nocturnal. Explain what this means, and why it is such a common survival strategy in this desert.

The Atacama of Chile

10. How often does rain fall in the Atacama?

11. Where do the Guanacos and other animals of the Atacama find water?

12. Explain the importance of the ocean breeze to this ecosystem.

Sonora Desert

13. Explain two ways that the Saguarnos (giant cacti) are able to take advantage of infrequent rainfall.

14. The relationship between the cacti and the lesser long-nosed bat would best be described as:a. Mutualism b. Parasitism c. Commensalism

15. Coevolution occurs when two species evolve in response to each other. Explain how the Saguarnos and lesser long-nosed bats demonstrate this.

16. The force of erosion by water is very visible in this desert. Give examples of features in the landscape that are the result of this erosion.

17. The Nubian Ibex exert a lot of energy while fighting and lose a lot of water through their heavy breathing and panting. Explain how this behavior benefits the species in the long-term.

18. The Augrabies Flat Lizards have multiple evolutionary adaptations built into their body design. List and describe three of them.

a.

b.

c.

19. African elephants, lions, and ibex can be found in both desert and savanna ecosystems. While populations in each ecosystem are the same species, their behaviors can differ greatly. Compare and contrast them.

Species Desert Behaviors Savanna Behaviors

African Elephant

Lion

Ibex

20. What changes occur in desert communities when water is introduced?

21. Describe how the desert locust takes advantage of the brief flush of vegetation that arises.