7 Amazing Animal Adaptations for Life in the Desert ...

One of the most amazing animal adaptations to desert life is the African bullfrog’s cozy, yet very long, slumber periods. This little fella is a rare example of how life can thrive even in the most inhospitable environments, managing to transform its skin into a type of cocoon during hot, dry desert days and survive under the sand, in a hibernation-like state, for more than a year.

Usually found inhabiting some of the driest places in North Africa, a small species of gazelle called the Dorcas gazelle has a remarkable way of dealing with water shortage. When water is scarce, this elegant creature can concentrate its urine into a substance called uric acid that acts as an alternative to hydraulically expensive fluid waste, helping it save up as much water as possible.

This adorable fur-ball makes you want to take her home and rub its belly (don't!), but she's a real badass and incredibly adaptable to harsh desert conditions. This creature can withstand both freezing cold temperatures of below 25 degrees and heat of more than 120 degrees. Its thick fur protects it from heat and cold, and its large, low ears can withstand the strongest winds, while also making it easy for our furry friend to locate underground prey.

The Jerboa is another great example of amazing animal adaptations in the desert world. This tiny creature that resembles a mouse with large, ostrich-like hind legs, is a true master of burrowing techniques and can travel fast without using up much energy. Also, you’ll probably never find another equally resourceful little rodent, Jerboas never really need any more water than they can get from dried seeds and vegetables.

The Fennec Fox is about as cool and classy as they get, being a small, nimble, nocturnal creature with very large ears that help it hear better, while also making it easier to release body heat - a very practical trait in the scorching desert heat. Fennec foxes are also very light and agile, always keeping energy consumption at a minimum.

Like in the popular cartoons, the North American roadrunner has many resourceful ways of getting out of trouble. When it comes to dealing with the desert heat, one of its best tricks is its ability to secrete excess salt from a gland near its eye. This simple process of eliminating excess minerals makes it possible for the bird to avoid losing precious fluids that could keep it alive in a harsh desert environment.

Finally, the scorpion has one of the most fantastic animal adaptations to desert life in the world. The secret is its unique metabolism that can not only keep the creature functioning without food for more than a year, but also maintain its body in a type of seasonal hibernation while still being able to react with lightning fast reflexes when prey comes along.

These are only a few of the remarkable desert life adaptations scientists have found in nature – some intriguing, some downright strange. Which of them do you find the most amazing?

Sources:

conservationinstitute.org
mentalfloss.com
mnn.com