( ii) The animals are physiologically and behaviorally adapted to desert conditions.

⧪ They are fast runners.

⧪ They are nocturnal in habit to avoid the sun’s heat during day time.

⧪ They conserve water by excreting concentrated urine.

⧪ Animals and birds usually have long legs to keep the body away from the hot ground.

⧪ Lizards are mostly insectivorous and can live without drinking water for several days.

⧪ Herbivorous animals get sufficient water from the seeds which they eat.

⧪ Camel is known as the ship of the desert as it can travel long distances without drinking water for several days.

⧪ Mammals as a group are poorly adapted to deserts but some species have become secondarily adapted. A few species of nocturnal rodents can live in the desert without drinking water.