Adaptations are the attributes of the organism that enables it to survive and reproduce in its habitat. Give the adaptations of
a) Cactus plant in desert
b) Kangaroo rat in desert
c) Seals in polar region.

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> [!TLDR]
> Each of these organisms shows structural/physiological adaptations that let it conserve water (cactus, kangaroo rat) or heat (seal) in its extreme habitat.
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> **(a) Cactus plant in desert:** To survive with very little water, the cactus has: leaves reduced to **spines**, which greatly cuts down the surface area for water loss through transpiration; the **stem** is thick, fleshy and modified to carry out photosynthesis (taking over the leaf's normal function); it has a **thick waxy cuticle** and **sunken stomata**, both of which reduce water loss; and it uses the **CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism)** photosynthetic pathway, opening its stomata only at night to minimise daytime water loss while still fixing CO2.
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> **(b) Kangaroo rat in desert:** This mammal is capable of meeting almost all its water needs internally — it obtains **metabolic water** by the internal oxidation/breakdown of fats stored in its body, and rarely if ever needs to drink free water. It also has highly efficient kidneys that produce **concentrated urine**, minimising water loss through excretion, and is largely **nocturnal**, staying in a cooler burrow during the hot day to reduce water loss by evaporation.
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Q.Adaptations are the attributes of the organism that enables it to survive and reproduce in its habitat. Give the adaptations of

Concept understanding — Adaptations

Q.Adaptations are the attributes of the organism that enables it to survive and reproduce in its habitat. Give the adaptations of

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