Question

1. how much of our planet is covered by deserts?
2. why did the cormorants come to the arabian desert?
3. how do the cormorants cool themselves?
4. how many arabian leopards are there in the wild?
5. what has caused the decline of the leopards?
6. how many desert elephants are there in namibia?
7. what causes a desert to become a grassland?
8. why do the ants take the caterpillars to their nest?

Explanation:

1. Deserts cover about one - third of the Earth's land surface.
2. Cormorants are water - birds and typically do not come to the Arabian desert naturally; perhaps for food or due to human - induced changes in their habitat.
3. Cormorants may cool themselves by panting, spreading their wings to increase heat loss, or by seeking shade.
4. The number of Arabian leopards in the wild is estimated to be very low, likely in the hundreds or fewer due to habitat loss and poaching.
5. The decline of leopards is caused by habitat loss, poaching for their skins and body parts, and human - wildlife conflict.
6. The number of desert elephants in Namibia is variable but is estimated to be several hundred.
7. A desert can become a grassland due to increased rainfall over an extended period, changes in soil composition, and the introduction of grass - species seeds.
8. Ants may take caterpillars to their nest to use them as a food source for the ant colony or to protect the caterpillars if there is a symbiotic relationship (e.g., some caterpillars secrete substances that ants like).

Answer:

1. About one - third of the Earth's land surface.
2. Usually not a natural occurrence; possible reasons include food or habitat changes.
3. Panting, wing - spreading, seeking shade.
4. Likely in the hundreds or fewer.
5. Habitat loss, poaching, human - wildlife conflict.
6. Several hundred.
7. Increased rainfall, soil changes, seed introduction.
8. As a food source or due to symbiotic relationship.