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