Desert Biome

Desert BiomeBy: Ryan, Kate and Brady

“Better than dessert, visit the desert!”

Features• Dry, hot, and arid• Very loose soil• Vegetation is specialized and low to the

groundso Adapt to lack of water

• 1/5th of the earth’s surface

Climate• Low latitude climate• Climate formed by high pressure zone

in which cold air descends• The hot ground evaporates water

before it reaches the ground, causing little precipitationo Sun directly overhead

Plants • small leaves

• small stems

• nocturnal

Animals• Nocturnal or Crepuscular

• Light Coloration

• Typically Smaller in Size

Adaptations• Salt Glands

• Large Ears

When to visit• Visit in the winter because of more moderate

temperatures!• Come during dusk or dawn because it may be

too hot during the day, and too cold during the night.• If you are looking to see animals, visit during the

night when most animals are out and about.

Interesting Facts• Desert plants and animals are highly

adapted to their climate• These organisms have adapted to

survive extremely long droughts.• When the rain does fall it is usually in a

great amount, that can cause flash floods.

Environmental Issues• More human activity in deserts

o Loosens soil and hurts animals that burrow in the sand

o Causes sandstorms• Low rainfall

o Vegetation takes a long time to growo Causes faster desertification

Resources"Desert Climate." Desert Climate. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. <

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/desert_c

"Desert Biome." Desert Biome. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.<http://www.softschools.com/facts/biomes/desert_biome_facts/167/

"Desert Biome Facts." Desert Biome Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.<http://www.mbgnet.net/pfg/diverse/biomes/desert/