'Life in the Deserts' — Practice

Question 1

Distinguish between hot deserts and cold deserts with examples.

Accepted Answer

Hot deserts (like the Sahara in North Africa) have scorching summers (50 C+) and low rainfall, with camels, cactus, and date palms. Cold deserts (like Ladakh in the Himalayas) have freezing winters (down to -40 C) and equally low rainfall, with yaks, willows, and sea buckthorn. Both are deserts because they receive under 25 cm of rain.

Question 2

Describe how plants and animals have adapted to the Sahara desert.

Accepted Answer

Plants adapt by storing water (cactus thick stems), reaching deep groundwater (date palm, acacia roots), and reducing leaf size to limit evaporation. Animals adapt too: camels store fat in their humps and go days without water, fennec foxes have large ears to lose heat, and scorpions and vipers are nocturnal and burrow to avoid the daytime heat.

Question 3

Why is Ladakh called a cold desert?

Accepted Answer

Ladakh receives very little rainfall (under 10 cm) like other deserts, but it lies high in the Himalayas, so it has very cold temperatures, especially in winter.

Question 4

What is an oasis and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

An oasis is a fertile area in the desert where water is available. It supports date palms and crops and serves as a vital lifeline and gathering place for caravans and settlements.

Practice — 'Life in the Deserts'

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