The Desert Biome

Desert Characterization A Desert is a region on Earth which receives less than 10 in of annual rain fall, and is generally taken over by high temperatures. Deserts cover one fifth of all of Earth’s surfaces Usually found around 30N

Temperature Between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius. Many deserts receive little rainfall. Due to this low rainfall we have high temperature shifts between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

Average Temperatures

Formation of a Desert Many deserts have been formed by the flow of air masses over the planet. As the earth turns on it’s axis, it makes huge air swirls causing the hot air to rise over the equator and flow north and southward. This in turn sucks up moisture while warming the land which causes it to become dry.

Desert Soil Caliche is a reddish- brown to white layer of soil found in many desert soils. This type of soil is formed by plants releasing water and carbon dioxide. Soils that form in arid climates mineral soils and have low organic contents.

Water Channels In the desert, underground channels carry water from mountains that are most of the time near by into the desert. If the channels were not covered by the soil it the water would evaporate. Moisture in the desert can come from sources such as rain, sweat, dew, pools, lakes, sap, and breath, these evaporate quickly in the hot air.

Flora Saguaro Cactus Fish Hook Cactus Barrel Cactus Brittle Bush Joshua Tree Mojave Aster Triangle-leaf Bursage

Flora Adaptations Only second to the Rainforest, the Desert has the most variety of plant species. Adaptations: Store water in their stems or leaves; Store water in their stems or leaves; Some have no leaves or small seasonal leaves that only grow after it rains. Some have no leaves or small seasonal leaves that only grow after it rains. Long root systems spread out wide or go deep into the ground to absorb water; Long root systems spread out wide or go deep into the ground to absorb water; Short life cycle, germinating in response to rain, growing, flowering, and dying within one year. These plants can evade drought. Short life cycle, germinating in response to rain, growing, flowering, and dying within one year. These plants can evade drought. Spines to discourage animals from eating plants for water; Spines to discourage animals from eating plants for water; Waxy coating on stems and leaves help reduce water loss. Waxy coating on stems and leaves help reduce water loss. Flowers that open at night lure pollinators who are more likely to be active during the cooler night. Flowers that open at night lure pollinators who are more likely to be active during the cooler night. Slower growing requires less energy. Slower growing requires less energy.

Fauna Addax Cactus Wren Desert Night Lizard Blind western snake Thorny Devil VultureArmadillo Jack Rabbit Javelina

Fauna Adaptations Animals in the desert must survive in a hostile environment. Intense heat, searing sun, and lack of water are just a few of the challenges facing desert animals. Animals that live in the desert have many adaptations. Including Leg speed, sharp claws and/or teeth (tusks), spikes or quills, or armor for protection Leg speed, sharp claws and/or teeth (tusks), spikes or quills, or armor for protection Cold blooded – to avoid having to heat or cool themselves Cold blooded – to avoid having to heat or cool themselves Some animals have specialized kidneys to conserve water used for urine Some animals have specialized kidneys to conserve water used for urine Some organisms don’t sweat – to avoid water loss Some organisms don’t sweat – to avoid water loss Long ears on a jack rabbit, so that excess heat can escape Long ears on a jack rabbit, so that excess heat can escape

Video Montage Eyewitness: Desert