Why do desert animal have dry and scaly skin?

It’s fascinating how evolution works! Animals like lizards and snakes in deserts have scaly skin to protect against harsh sunlight and retain moisture. Without this adaptation, survival would be almost impossible.

Desert animals have dry and scaly skin primarily to minimize water loss. The scales act as a barrier, reducing evaporation and keeping the animal hydrated in extremely arid conditions.

The dry, scaly skin also helps with temperature regulation. In deserts, temperatures can soar during the day, and scales prevent overheating by reflecting sunlight.

From a biological standpoint, scaly skin is less permeable than soft skin, reducing water loss. This is critical in deserts where water is scarce.

Fun fact: Some desert animals even shed their skin periodically to remove parasites and damaged layers, which further ensures survival in the harsh environment.

Here’s a detailed resource explaining this adaptation: National Geographic.