Encyclopedia of Earth: Adaptations of Desert Plants

The ways in which plants have adapted through evolution in order to survive in a desert environment are described in this article. Getting water and retaining water are key to their survival, including protecting themselves from animals seeking water. Another important survival strategy described is their tolerance and avoidance of drought situations. Also discussed are some of the additional ways they manage to survive, e.g., by leaf size and shape. (Published: December 18, 2009)