Tropical Deserts By: Evan Grunberger James Brophy

Climate Characteristics Average Temperature – Mid 30°s Temperature Range – 18°-50° Average Annual Precipitation – 25cm (“Physical Environment”)

(“Tropical Desert Climate”)

Plants found In Tropical Deserts Vegetation is sparse and widely scattered. Most plants found in these areas have long roots that reach subsurface water. Small flowering plants – Very shallow roots that depend on rainfall. – Finish growing cycle shortly after rainfall and then produces and drops seeds. – Seeds lay dormant until the next rainfall.

Animals found in Tropical Deserts Commonly found animals are Antelopes, gazelles, hares, foxes, lizards, a few species of snakes. (“Desert Animal Survival”) Escape heat: – Burrow – Only active at night – Only active at dusk and dawn Desert animals acquire water very well through succulent plants such as cactus. (“Desert Animal Survival”) Also acquire water from scarce uncommon rain fall. Tropical Deserts have low biodiversity simply due to the fact that their really aren’t that many animals in the desert.

Plants that obtain water Small burrowing animals such as hares, lizards, a few species of snakes Larger hunting animals such as Antelopes, gazelles, foxes Biomass Pyramid for Tropical Desert

Bibliography Desert USA, comp. "Desert Animal survival." Exploring the South West. June Desert USA. 18 Oct "The Sahara Desert." How Stuff Works. Dec How Stuff Works, inc. 18 Oct Ritter, Michael E. "Climates: Tropical Desert." The Physical Environment. 21 June The University of Wisonsin. 17 Oct (“The Physical Environment”) Ritter, Michael E. "Tropical Desert Climate." Tropical Desert Climate. Aug South Hill Education Centre. 17 Oct (“Tropical Desert Climate”)