4.1 Ecosystems

What is a common misconception about desert ecosystems?

• All desert plants require constant water.
• Desert organisms have no adaptations.
• Desert ecosystems are complex and interdependent.
• Deserts are devoid of life.

What adaptation allows desert organisms to survive with minimal water?

• Ability to store water
• High metabolism rates
• Thick fur coats
• Large body sizes

How do Gila woodpeckers and cactus wrens utilize cacti in the Sonoran Desert?

• For nesting purposes
• For camouflage
• For food and shelter
• For water storage

What role do teddy bear chollas play in the survival of cactus wrens?

• They help in temperature regulation.
• They offer protection from predators.
• They provide food for the wrens.
• They attract more insects.

Why do many desert animals rest during the hot days?

• To conserve energy
• To socialize with others
• To avoid predators
• To find food

What behavior do kangaroo rats exhibit to adapt to the desert environment?

• They hibernate during the day.
• They are diurnal and active during the day.
• They are nocturnal and come out at night.
• They migrate to cooler areas.

What happens to desert plants after a rainfall?

• They stop growing until the next rain.
• They lose their leaves to conserve water.
• They produce flowers to attract insects.
• They wilt and die quickly.

How do ants contribute to the desert ecosystem?

• By pollinating flowers
• By controlling insect populations
• By collecting seeds for food storage
• By providing shelter for other animals

What is a crucial aspect of interactions in the desert ecosystem?

• Only plants interact with animals.
• Different species depend on each other for survival.
• Organisms rely solely on non-living elements.
• All organisms are independent.

Which non-living elements significantly affect desert organisms?

• Only soil and temperature
• Only temperature and soil
• Only water and air
• Light, temperature, soil, water, and air