What is Xerocole?
A '''xerocole''' (from [[Greek language|Modern Greek]] xēros [[:en:Help:IPA English|/ˈzɪroʊs/]], meaning 'dry', and [[Latin]] col(ere), meaning 'to inhabit'), is an animal [[Adaptation|adapted]] to live in the [[desert]]. The main problems these animals face is very little water to drink, and a very hot environment. Xerocoles tend to be [[nocturnal]] or [[crepuscular]] to escape the heat. ==Saving up water== Xerocoles have many ways to conserve (save up) the water in their body. Most xerocoles do not [[sweat]] or sweat very little. Many desert birds and [[mammal|mammals]] have oils on their skin to prevent water from escaping. There is also very little water in their [[urine]] and [[feces]]. ==Different types of xerocoles== *[[Aardvark]] *[[American black bear]] *[[Chipmunk]] *[[Coyote]] *[[Gila monster]] *[[Gemsbok]] *[[Hyena]] *[[Lion]] *[[Meerkat]] *[[Ostrich]] And so on. {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Animals]] [[Category:Deserts]]