Arid, but full of life The Desert Tim Franzen Will Sebolt Dominick Dunlap Jimmy Kontra

Environmental Issues Global warming is increasing the drought level, which dries up water holes. The increase in temperature produces an increasing number of wildfires that alter landscapes. These fires burn down most of plant life, resulting in a barren landscape. Irrigation used for agriculture, results in an increase of the salt level in the ground that becomes too high to support plants.

Environment issues continued Wild animals that graze can destroy many desert plants and animals, making most near extinction. Potassium cyanide used during gold mining may poison wildlife. If off-road vehicles are used irresponsibly, they can cause irreparable damage to desert habitats. The production of oil and gas may disrupt sensitive habitats. Nuclear waste has been dumped in many deserts which have also been used as nuclear testing grounds.

Locations on the Map

Climate The average desert gets about 10 inches of rain per year It is the hottest biome on Earth Deserts can reach a temperature of 100˚ F during the day and 32˚ F at night.

Plants (Saguaro Cactus) Cactuses have long roots to reach water deep under the ground A fully-grown Saguaro cactus can absorb up to 3,000 liters of water in ten days In the desert, water is obviously hard to come by, so the cactus uses its thorns as a defense mechanism to keep animals from getting inside it and drinking its water

Plants (Aloe Plant) The waxy surface of the aloe plant acts like a plastic wrapper, keeping water inside For centuries, the juice of the aloe plant has been used by Native Americans as a medicine Today, doctors use these plants to treat burns

Plants (Joshua Tree) It has Evergreen leaves that can be anywhere from 15-35 cm long It has long, sensitive roots that reach up to 11 meters underground They can live for hundreds of years They can grow up to 15 meters tall The Joshua tree lives in the desert because it can survive droughts

Animals (Camel) The camel has two sets of eyelashes to protect its eyes from dust and sand Camels can go without water for weeks The camel’s widely spread feet help prevent sinking in the sand

Animals (Diamondback Rattlesnake) Diamondback Rattlesnakes are extremely poisonous They can grow to be 1.5- 2 meters long Most are nocturnal during the summer They come out when the temperature is 70˚-90˚

Animals (Armadillo Lizard) The body length of the Armadillo Lizard can be from 15 to 17 inches, the tail can be from 14 to 16 inches long and it weighs anywhere from 8 to 17 pounds Even though it's small, predators fail to harm an armadillo lizard because of the armor on its back It is able to move easily because of its flattened head, body and club-like tail

Bibliography Pictures - Google Images http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/ http://davesgarden.com/ http://www.mbgnet.net http://www.wikipedia.org/ http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org http://www.buzzle.com