Listening:
Question:
Using the examples of the fennec fox and the kangaroo rat, explain how some animals survive in desert environments.
Sample Answer:
The lecturer talks about two adaptations that help animals survive the harsh conditions of deserts, mainly extreme heat and low water availability. First, he mentions that some species have developed specialized heat regulation to deal with temperatures that are very high during the day. For instance, the fennec fox has ears with a large surface area that allows extra heat to dissipate into the environment. It also has a light-colored coat that reflects sunlight. Both of these help it to avoid absorbing too much heat from the sun. Next, he talks about how animals use burrowing behavior to get away from the surface of the desert, where temperatures are highest. An example of this is the kangaroo rat, which digs massive underground holes. Its burrows have a lower temperature than on the surface, and the rats can even block the entrances to further reduce heat exposure. This helps to reduce its chance of getting dehydrated or overheated.