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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Locations on the Map

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. Plants (Joshua Tree)
It has Evergreen leaves that can be anywhere from 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. Bibliography Pictures - Google Images