Deserts
Location
Abiotic Organisms
Plant Adaptations
Biotic Organisms
30° N or S of Equator
Sonoran (USA, Mexico)
Sahara Desert (North Africa)
Patagonian Desert (South America)
Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Angola)
Arabian Desert (Dubai)
Gobi Desert (Central Asia)
Great Victoria Desert (Australia)
Climate
Soil
Light
Water
Temperature
Animals
Plants
Tap Roots, 7-10 Metres long to reach deep underground and collect water
Small Leaves - These ensure less water is lost from the plant by transpiration
Spines - Some plants such as the Cactus have spines that lose less water than leaves so are more efficient in a hot Climate, they also prevent animals from eating the plant
Waxy Skin - Some of the Plants have a waxy skin that also prevent water loss by transpiration
Cactus
Water Storage - Some plants known as Succulents store water in their stems, leaves, roots or even fruits.
Prickly Pear
Tumbleweed
Dung Beetle
Camel
Scorpions
Scorpions
Animal Adaptations
Camels have special Two sets of Eyelashes to prevent sand from getting in their eyes and closable nostrils
Fennec Fox
Scorpion can slow down its Metabolism and Oxygen intake when food is scarse
A Fennec Fox has big ears to help cool it down and fur on its paws to protect against the hot sand