Plant Species
Saguaro Cactus
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-The pleated stems of these succulents allow Saguaros to expand and contract as they store and then use up water [6]
-The Saguaro Cactus flower, which blooms in late spring, only opens on cooler nights and stays closed during daytime to minimize evapotranspiration water losses
-The downward pointing spines direct rainwater into its depressions to maximize absorption in addition to helping cool the outer layer [22]
-Fun Fact: The Saguaro cactus, which is the largest cactus in the United States, has a national park built in its honor and in dedication to its preservation. Not surprisingly, this park is called the Saguaro National Park
-The Saguaro Cactus flower, which blooms in late spring, only opens on cooler nights and stays closed during daytime to minimize evapotranspiration water losses
-The downward pointing spines direct rainwater into its depressions to maximize absorption in addition to helping cool the outer layer [22]
-Fun Fact: The Saguaro cactus, which is the largest cactus in the United States, has a national park built in its honor and in dedication to its preservation. Not surprisingly, this park is called the Saguaro National Park
Foothills Palo Verde
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| http://www.delange.org/PaloVerdeBlue/Dsc00068.jpg |
-The green, chlorophyll-containing barks of Palo Verde trees is photosynthetic, allowing the tree to drop its leaves to conserve water without sacrificing metabolism as a mechanism of adapted heat and drought tolerance [16]
-During severe droughts, Palo Verdes can drop branches to decrease their size and thus metabolic demands. This phenotypic plasticity confers additional drought tolerance [38]
-During severe droughts, Palo Verdes can drop branches to decrease their size and thus metabolic demands. This phenotypic plasticity confers additional drought tolerance [38]
-Fun fact: These trees are the primary nurse plant for Saguaros
Ocotillo
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| http://icons-ak.wunderground.com/data/wximagenew/e/ej80095/16-800.jpg |
-During dry periods, Ocotillo's shed their leaves, and the stems are replaced by small thorns. This minimizes water loss to confer drought tolerance. Like the Palo Verdes and many cacti, the Ocotillo can continue photosynthesis without leaves via its stems. [12]
-Fun Fact: Despite many structural similarities, Ocotillos are NOT cacti but rather are considered a deciduous shrub. [12]
Animal Species
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
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-Behavioral plasticity allows this snake to avoid extreme temperatures. It is active at night during the warm months, active during daytime in spring and fall, and hibernating during winter. [41]
-By feeding nocturnally, this rattlesnake can focus on thermal regulation during the daytime. The Diamondback is able to sense infrared radiation from nearby animals, guiding them to prey even in absence of light. [41]
-Fun Fact: The Sonoran Desert has more species of rattlesnakes than any
other region in the world. Out of all
these species, the Diamondback is
most dangerous and lethal to humans.
-By feeding nocturnally, this rattlesnake can focus on thermal regulation during the daytime. The Diamondback is able to sense infrared radiation from nearby animals, guiding them to prey even in absence of light. [41]
-Fun Fact: The Sonoran Desert has more species of rattlesnakes than any
other region in the world. Out of all
these species, the Diamondback is
most dangerous and lethal to humans.
Bark Scorpion
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| http://www.demosamplesite.com/portfolio/all-desert-pest/images/scorpion.jpg |
-Bark scorpions avoid extreme temperatures by hibernating during cool winter months and being nocturnal in warm summer months
-Layers of fat on their exoskeleton limit water loss so they can tolerate drought conditions
Fun fact: This Sonoran species is the only North American scorpion that is considered lethal (although stings normally are not a major cause for concern)
-Layers of fat on their exoskeleton limit water loss so they can tolerate drought conditions
Fun fact: This Sonoran species is the only North American scorpion that is considered lethal (although stings normally are not a major cause for concern)
Gila Monster
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| http://www.klein.com/dvk/photos/critters/gila_monster.jpg |
-Gila monsters avoid the extreme summer daytime temperatures by seeking refuge under rocks, bushes, or in burrows
-Fatty deposits in their tail (the reason for it being so thick) allow it to store water to tolerate periods of low water availability [11]
-Their claws allow them to dig out their own burrows, as well as aiding them in predation
-Fun Fact: Gila monsters were the first venomous species of North America to get legal protection (it is illegal to collect, sale or kill them) [12]
-Fatty deposits in their tail (the reason for it being so thick) allow it to store water to tolerate periods of low water availability [11]
-Their claws allow them to dig out their own burrows, as well as aiding them in predation
-Fun Fact: Gila monsters were the first venomous species of North America to get legal protection (it is illegal to collect, sale or kill them) [12]
Javelina
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| http://www.saguaro-juniper.com/i_and_i/mammals/javelina/06-11_5886.jpg |
-Although able to digest a wide diversity of plants, during periods of less water availability, Javelinas mainly consume the succulent prickly pear cacti, thus greatly increasing their water consumption as a mechanism of drought tolerance [45]
-Phenotypic plasticity allows Javelinas to shed their coarse fur layer, thus decreasing insulation and increasing their ability to tolerate warmer temperatures [45]
-Fun Fact: These animals are called "Javelina," the Spanish word for spear, because of their razor-sharp tusks.[4]
-Phenotypic plasticity allows Javelinas to shed their coarse fur layer, thus decreasing insulation and increasing their ability to tolerate warmer temperatures [45]
-Fun Fact: These animals are called "Javelina," the Spanish word for spear, because of their razor-sharp tusks.[4]
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