Final answer:
The adaptation least expected in desert animals is thin skin to avoid overheating, as this would increase water loss, which isn't suitable for desert conditions. Instead, desert animals have adaptations that conserve water, such as thick skin, water storage, and nocturnal lifestyles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Out of the given adaptations, the one you would least expect to find in desert animals is thin skin to avoid overheating in the hot sun. The reason for this is that thin skin would actually make an animal more susceptible to water loss through evaporation which is not advantageous in a desert environment, where water conservation is critical. Desert animals typically have adaptations like a thick skin or fur to minimize water loss, they store water in their body tissues, have efficient water conservation mechanisms such as highly concentrated urine, and are often nocturnal to avoid the extreme daytime heat and reduce water loss.
Some desert animals display behavioral changes to regulate body temperature, such as seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day or climbing onto rocks to capture heat during a cold desert night. Similarly, the adaptations in desert plants, such as hair on leaves and a thick cuticle, serve to reduce water loss and reflect sunlight. Overall, these adaptations help desert organisms survive in extreme and arid conditions where water is scarce.