1. DESERT Ecosystem Project Alex,Cameron

2. LOCATION Deserts cover about one fifth of the Earth’s land surface. Most hot deserts are near the tropic of cancer or Capricorn. Hot and dry deserts temp. ranges from 20 to 25° C. The extreme maximum temperature for Hot Desert ranges from 43.5 to 49° C. The Sonoran and the Mojave desert climate is very hot up to 134° F.

3. ABIOTIC FACTORS Low precipitation, variable temperatures Soils rich in minerals but poor in organic material.

4. PLANT ADAPTATIONS There is about 15 different type of plants in the desert. Plants are almost ground hugging shrubs and short woody trees. All of the leaves are packed with nutrients. Most of the plants in the desert need no water or just a small amount. The most popular plant is the Barrel cactus, it has ridges in the sides, and there are dangerously sharp.

5. ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS Some plants and animals can survive body temperatures that would be dangerous to humans There is about 5 different type of animals in the Mojave desert. Desert animals are more susceptible to temperature extremes than are desert plants. animals, such as owls and bats, are active only at night nocturnal when temperatures are lowest.

6. THREATS TO ECOSYSTEM It threats the ecosystem very extreme heat. Global warming is increasing the incidence of drought, which dries up water holes. Off-road vehicles, when used irresponsibly, can cause irreparable damage to desert habitats. Oil and gas production may disrupt sensitive habitat.

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY www.blueplanetbiomes.org/desert www.mojavedesert.net/overview www.desertusa.com www.drseward.com/geninfo.htm