Nature
9
The Sonoran Desert supports more than 200 animal species and 600 plant species, creating a landscape often called a desert jungle. Saguaros, with branching arms and accordion-like pleats, dominate the scene alongside teddy bear chollas, creosote bushes, and ocotillos. These plants are adapted to extreme heat and drought: saguaro stems and arms expand to hold water collected through their roots, cholla spines shade and protect the plant’s skin, and creosote and ocotillo leaves drop during dry periods and sprout again when the soil is moist. Desert animals such as coyotes, snakes, javelinas, and rodents take shelter during extreme heat and cold, while kangaroo rats and ground squirrels protect themselves underground in burrows.
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Arizona · United States
