By: Michael Vo

Temperatures/Precipitation Levels

- subtropical desert is fairly warm, with average annual temperatures above 10 � C and precipitation up to 100 cm/year - Most of the Subtropical Deserts are located at 30 � North or South latitude ; this is where air that was warmed at the equator falls back to the ground as cool, dry air (losing its water as it rises wet and steamy over the equator). These dry winds dry the land except for areas which are wetted by onshore breezes from warm offshore waters, such as the Gulf coast of the United States or the eastern coast of Indochina - Due to high evaporation of water in deserts, clay soils form the driest habitats as water is kept close to the surface by capillary action and thus prone to evaporation. Sandy soils offer better water supplies, and rocky and fissured soils provide the wettest habitat - Some desert areas haven’t received a single drop of rain in hundreds of years!

- Desert environment is usually not best suited for subtropical plants - Subtropical plants grow well in fertile, decomposed,deep loam soil. They will not survive in locations with poor drainage. - Xerophytes (dry loving plants) are common - Creosote bush: Open scraggly shrub - Elephant trees: Stores water in spongy wood in trunk - Therophytes (annuals via seeds) - Geophytes (survive under ground) - Cactus (commonly found in deserts) - Desert annuals (The soil contains a “seed bank.” Many annuals have hard seed coats of variable thickness)

Dromedary Camels: They can last days without drinking anything! The big hump on their back is one of the many reasons why they are able to live in dry climates. The hump allows them to store plenty of water, in addition to that, they do not sweat very much which helps keep them from getting very thirsty. When it comes to food, they eat plants, pretty much any plant. They also have really thick eyelashes that protect their eyes from the blowing desert sand.

Ostriches: They may not be able to fly, but they are the largest and fastest running birds in the entire world! They will eat pretty much anything if they have to, but mostly plants, grass and seeds. They don’t drink very much - that helps them survive in dry climates.

Sidewinder Rattlesnake : They always crawl sideways with their bodies in an “S” shape. This allows them to glide across the desert sands, making it easy for them to live in dry climates. They eat things like lizards and small rats. They are usually light tan, brown or gray with small dark patches. Their color helps blend them in with the desert sands protecting from being hurt by other animals.

Spotted Hyena: They are really good swimmers and can walk under water! They can make over 10 different sounds, but the most popular sound is the laughing noise they make – this is why they are also called Laughing Hyenas. They eat animals like zebras and wildebeests. They can survive in various types of environments, including dry climates.