Adaptations of Desert Plants

The video tutorial explores the differences between a Maple tree in New England and a cactus in Arizona, focusing on their adaptations to their environments. It explains how cacti have needles instead of leaves to minimize water loss, while some desert plants have waxy leaves or drop them during dry spells. The tutorial also covers how desert plants have deep roots to access groundwater and how some, like the Saguaro cactus, store water for later use. These adaptations help desert plants survive in arid conditions.

What is the primary difference between a Maple tree and a cactus?

• Both have needles

• Maple trees have leaves, cacti have needles

• Maple trees have needles, cacti have leaves

• Both have leaves

Why do desert plants like cacti have needles instead of leaves?

• Needles reduce water loss

• Needles are more colorful

• Needles attract more pollinators

• Needles help in photosynthesis

What adaptation helps some desert plants survive long dry spells?

• Developing thicker bark

• Producing more flowers

• Growing taller

• Dropping their leaves

How do some desert plants access deep groundwater?

• By growing near rivers

• By storing water in their leaves

• By having roots 10 times the height of a person

• By having shallow roots

What is a unique feature of the Saguaro cactus?

• It blooms at night

• It grows in cold climates

• It has the largest leaves

• It can store dozens of liters of water