What are the adaptations of a desert tumbleweed?

- Lightweight and round shape: Tumbleweeds are lightweight due to their hollow stems and have a ball-like shape when mature. This allows strong winds to easily break the plant from its roots and roll it along the ground.

- Radial root system: The tumbleweed has a shallow and wide-spreading radial root system that allows it to anchor firmly in loose soil but can easily be uprooted when the soil becomes dry and loose.

- Brittle stem: The stem is composed of brittle sections that easily break apart, allowing the plant to break free from the root system.

- Small leaves and spines: The leaves are small or spine-like, reducing water loss through transpiration. Spines also provide protection from herbivores.

- Seed dispersal: Tumbleweeds have numerous tiny seeds attached to the stem or enclosed within the fruits. As the plant rolls, the seeds are dispersed over a wide area, ensuring the continuation of the species.

- Drought tolerance: The plant can survive in arid conditions with limited water availability due to its efficient water-use strategies.

- Rapid growth: Tumbleweeds have a rapid growth rate, allowing them to quickly take advantage of temporary moisture availability and complete their life cycle before harsh conditions set in.

These adaptations enable desert tumbleweeds to thrive in the challenging conditions of arid environments.