1. The Bilby Size Small marsupial Sun/ drought dodging Nocturnal
Water intake
Low needs – gets enough from food such as fungi
Special move
Burrowing for cooler, moister conditions
Desert survival score /10

2. The Perentie Size Giant lizard (one of the top predators)
Sun/ drought dodging
Hides in rock crevices
Water intake
Low needs – gets enough from food such insects
Special move
Hibernates during winter
Desert survival score /10

3. The Red Kangaroo Size World’s largest marsupial Sun/ drought dodging
Feeds at dawn and dusk and sleeps during day
Water intake
Gets a lot of water from dew
Special move
Hopping (surprisingly energy efficient!)
Desert survival score /10

4. Drought Avoidance plants
Size
Only survive one season so don’t grow to be large
Sun/ drought dodging
Rapid life cycle and die after seeding. Seeds last for years.
Water intake
Seeds only germinate when moisture levels are high
Special move
Germinate after autumn rain and can survive winter frosts
Desert survival score /10

5. Drought Tolerant plants
Size
Extensive and deep roots to get to underground water
Sun/ drought dodging
Shed leaves to stop transpiration or have waxy leaves to stop water loss
Water intake
Absorbs water very quickly and stores large amounts of water
Special move
Can photosynthesise with a low level of water
Desert survival score /10

6. Succulent plants Size Extensive but shallow roots Sun/ drought dodging
Closes stomata during drought to stop water loss and growth
Water intake
Absorbs water very quickly and stores large amounts of water
Special move
Most have spines or are toxic to avoid thirsty animals
Desert survival score /10