Autotrophs
Saharan Cypress TreeThe Saharan Cypress(Cupressus Depreciana) is one of the oldest trees in the world being as old as 2000 years. These types of trees rely on morning dew water, winter rain, and hoar frost. These trees have adapted to their environment by being able to survive in severe droughts and being able to take advantage of any chances they have to get water. The niche of these trees is to provide other organisms like decomposers like the earthworm with moisture in order to survive. This kind of relationship is mutualism because both organisms benefit from the relationship.
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African Peyote CactusThe African Peyote Cactus(Lophophora Williamsii) has adapted to its environment by developing a thick stem to hold water better and has developed spines instead of leaves to reduce the lose of moisture. This cactus relies on winter rains, and morning dew water to survive. The niche of this plant is to provide water for other desert animals. This plant relates to other organisms by providing water to other organisms. This relationship is called commensalism which is when one organism benefits from the relationship and the other doesn't.
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Red Acacia TreeThe Red Acacia Tree(Vachellia Seyal) has a unique adaptation to the Sahara Desert. This tree drops its leaves in droughts in order to retain as much moisture as posible, this adaptation is known as semi-deciduous. Acacia Trees grow best in drained doil, and dry, sunny habitats. The niche of this tree is to provide shelter for animals and retain water. This tree relates with other organisms by providing them with shelter and moisture from its root systems. This type of relationship is called mutualism.
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The Mesquite TreeThe Mesquite Tree(Nauhuatl Mizquitl) is native to the Sahara and has adapted to it by developing long roots to obtain water from deep under ground. The niche of this tree is to restore nitrogen to the soil. This tree relates with other organisms by providing moisture from its root systems. This type of relationship is called mutualism.
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Olive TreeThe Olive Tree(Olea Europaea) in Native to the Sahara and has developed a couple of adaptations. One adaptation, like the Mesquite Tree, has long root systems to obtain ground water, and another adaptation is that it has small leaves that reduce the amount of water that it transpirates into the air. The niche of this tree is to provide animals with food and shelter. This tree relates with other organisms by providing them with shelter and moisture from its root systems. This type of relationship is called mutualism.
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