Xerophile refers to an organism that is adapted to living in very dry conditions. Other synonyms for this word include xerophilous, xeric-adapted, desert-adapted, drought-adapted, arid-adapted, and parched-adapted. These terms all refer to the same basic concept of an organism that can survive and thrive in a harsh, water-scarce environment. Xerophilous plants, for example, have adapted to conserve water and minimize evapotranspiration. They have modified root structures, like taproots and deep fibrous systems, that can reach deep water sources. Several animals have also adopted xeric-adapted characteristics, such as camels, desert rodents, and certain reptiles. Overall, these synonyms help to express the range of biological adaptations that allow organisms to survive in extreme drought conditions.