Question

during the day, deserts can be extremely hot and sunny, and there is little shade to offer relief. many desert animals rest during the day. this helps them stay cool so they dont sweat out so much water. then they come out to hunt when the sun goes down. some animals, like kangaroo rats, live in underground dens, where it is several degrees cooler than on the surface. others, like camels, have evolved to tolerate high temperatures. they conserve water by not sweating very much. in addition to conserving water, some animals are able to collect water when it does rain. the texas horned lizard has tiny channels between the scales on its back that can collect drinking water. the sandgrouse, a type of bird, can hold up to 25% of its body weight in water in its feathers.
which of the following animals is best adapted to the dry desert environment?
(choose one option)
a. a black bear, whose thick coat stores a lot of heat.
b. a jerboa, which can get rid of excess heat through its large ears.
c. a lion cub, which mainly eats fish, frogs and crabs.
d. a spider monkey, whose long arms and hook - like hands help it swing through tree branches.

Explanation:

The passage emphasizes that desert animals need to stay cool and conserve water. The jackrabbit's ability to get rid of excess heat through its large ears helps it stay cool in a hot environment, which is a key adaptation for desert - like conditions. The black bear's thick coat (A) would be a disadvantage in a hot desert as it stores heat. The lion cub (C) is more associated with savannah - like hunting (not specifically desert - water/heat adaptation). The spider monkey (D) is adapted to forest (tree - swinging) not desert.

Answer:

B. A jackrabbit, which can get rid of excess heat through its large ears.