Study how desert plants adapt and survive harsh conditions and how cacti provide sustenance for desert animals
Survival strategies of ephemeral and perennial plants found in the deserts of Arizona.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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Transcript
Flowers and grasses—the desert annuals—have one method of survival. Their seeds burst open as soon as they receive water from the spring rains. They flower, grow, and wither in just a few days. Through periods of drought, they exist only as dry seeds.
Perennial plants, like the cactus, also blossom and grow during the desert spring. But they are equipped to live through the seasons as plants. Their flowers and fruits provide temporary abundance of food and moisture for desert animals. But this time of plenty will soon be over, and then every living thing on the desert will be faced with drought and heat.
Perennial plants, like the cactus, also blossom and grow during the desert spring. But they are equipped to live through the seasons as plants. Their flowers and fruits provide temporary abundance of food and moisture for desert animals. But this time of plenty will soon be over, and then every living thing on the desert will be faced with drought and heat.