(of a plant or animal) adapted to a very dry climate or habitat, or to conditions where moisture is scarce.
‘The concentration of the highest estimates of genetic variation in northwestern Venezuela suggests a potential reservoir of plant genetic diversity within xerophilous ecosystems in northern South America.’
‘Mexico's xerophilous thickets and semi-desert pastures are located in arid and semi-arid areas that account for half of our national territory.’
‘While some xerophilous grasshoppers became scarce within the shelterbelt system, others, e.g. Calliptamus italicus, increased in importance.’
‘Everywhere one feels the influence of the Mediterranean and particularly on the specific xerophilous flora and fauna of the region.’
‘Sand dunes and higher river terraces were still preserved at that time and supported xerophilous vegetation.’
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