Barrel cacti store water in their tissues that animals and some humans can access, though the cactus contains toxins. White-winged doves survive desert conditions through a plump body that reduces moisture loss and insulates from temperature extremes, and they can go several days without water. Saguaros provide shelter and food for other animals in the Sonoran Desert and can store large amounts of water in their tissues to last through dry periods.

1. How do animals and plants survive in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona , USA ? A presentation supplied by North Chadderton School, Oldham, Lancashire, England Desert Survival

2. Does a barrel cactus contain water ? Yes, the Barrel Cactus does store water, but it is not free flowing. The water is stored in special tissue. Jackrabbits and other animals can survive in very hot conditions by eating this moist pulp. Desert Survival

3. Some people have been known to survive by eating this moist pulp. However, certain species of cactus can contain toxins harmful to humans. In addition, Arizona Native Plant Law prohibits damaging and destroying barrel cacti and other native plants Desert Survival

4. The white-winged dove has a plump body which gives it a high mass-to-surface area ratio, which minimises moisture loss . The plump body also insulates them from extremes of temperature. . Desert Survival

5. The white-winged dove eats dry seeds, and the fruit provided by cacti. They can go without water for four or five days, and fly up to 10 miles to find water. Desert Survival

6. The white-winged dove survive even if their body weight is reduced by 20% by dehydration, and they are able to drink salt water. They are able to rehydrate quickly, and suck up water like a mammal, unlike most birds. Desert Survival

7. Rodents can sometimes kill a Saguaro cactus , by chewing at its moist pulp. The Red-Tailed Hawk helps to reduce the rodent population around the cactus, by killing the rodents for food . Desert Survival

8. During the summer, temperatures can reach over 110 o F. The jackrabbit is able to release heat through its long ears and legs.

9. Following rain showers the Ocotillo plant grows leaves along its thorny stems. During a shortage of rain the leaves turn brown and fall. This conserves water, by reducing evaporation. Desert Survival

10. The green bark of the Ocotillo take over the functions of the leaves during heavy periods of drought. The process of photosynthesis is able to continue. Desert Survival

11. The Saguaro provides home and protection for birds and other small animals. It provides food for its neighbours. It can store large amounts of water in its fleshy tissue Desert Survival

12. The Desert Mariposa unfolds its orange coloured blossoms only in the Spring. During the rest of the year the foliage is dead. It EVADES the action of the desert heat. Desert Survival

13. The diet of the Peccary consists of shrubs, grass, mesquite beans , cacti and various roots and tubers. They are able to eat cactus, with the prickly spines ! They also eat nuts and berries. They are able to extract sufficient moisture from this diet for several days at a time. Desert Survival

14. The Peccary chooses its location carefully, for shelter. They use twisting courses of desert washes with the shade provided by the trees. Living in large cavities provided by erosion of the banks, also offers suitable hiding places. Desert Survival

15. The signature plant of the Sonoron Desert : it does not exist anywhere else in the world Tall column-shaped cactus with pleated stems. Can grow to 40' (12m) . Produces white flowers in Spring. Has a shallow root system, and can absorb gallons of water during a single rainfall. Desert Survival

16. The pleats in its trunk allow for expansion, so that it can hold tons of water , to last through the periods of low rainfall . The waxy, tough coat minimises loss of water by evaporation. Can live up to 200 years. Smaller saguaros live under 'nurse' plants, which provide shelter during the early years. Desert Survival

17. Cavities in the stems are made by woodpeckers, and they use them as nests. Once the woodpeckers move out these homes are soon adopted by other visitors, such as elf owls, flycatchers, purple martins, and brown bats. Damage can occur sometimes by sudden frosts, lightning, high winds. Desert Survival

18. Seeds swallowed by animals and birds pass through their digestive system unharmed. When deposited under trees and shrubs they are given a chance to germinate. Harvester ants gather seeds by the million, and store them in an underground food reservoir, too deep for the seeds to sprout. Fortunately, the Saguaro produces enough seeds to more than compensate for this loss ! Desert Survival