Desert
Anna Stooksbury
Vitals of Deserts
Locations of Deserts
One fifth of Earth's surface is covered with deserts. Hot and Dry Deserts are found near the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of Capricorn. Near the Arctic part of the world is where you can find Cold Deserts.
Abiotic Factors of Deserts
Temperature: All months have an average of 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit).
Rainfall: Approximately 0.25 centimeters (1 inch) of rain is received in the desert.
Climate of Deserts
Average Temperature
All months in the desert have an average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit). There is also very little humidity, if any.
Average Rainfall
Deserts receive approximately 2.5 centimeters (1inch) of rain each year. However, American deserts can receive up to 28 centimeters (11 inches) per year.
Seasonal Changes
The desert stays about the same temperature year-round, however there are some changes that occur throughout the year. During the spring, desert wildflower will start to bloom. During the fall, the summer flowers dry out, lizards go underground, and there are late tropical storms.
Plant Life
Plant life, for the most part, is scarce. However there is more plants than you would expect.
Brittle Bush
It contains a thick mat of short hairs that act as a blanket over the leaves for an insulating layer against the heat and cold.
Desert Ironwood
This plant provides food and shelter for other desert plants and animals. It plays a key role in the survival of over 500 species in the Sonoran Desert. When it grows, it changes the environment around itself; it makes a micro-habitat. Its branches create a canopy shade that can bring the temperature down to -9 degrees Celsius (15 degrees Fahrenheit).
Saguaro Cactus
It soaks up water into its ribs when it rains and is able to store it when it doesn't rain.
Ocotillo
This shrub contains leaves that are narrow, 2-inch ovals. When water is scarce, the leaves turn brown and fall off. When this occurs, the stalk and part of the stem become woody and grow spines.
Chain Fruit Cholla
Its branches are covered with layers of sharp spines. The sheath over the spines reflect sunlight and prevent over heating.
Animals
Deserts are home to a vary diverse population of animal species ranging from rattlesnakes to coyotes.
Desert Bighorn Sheep
These sheep live on mountains with steep slopes to be able to view their surroundings. They also have outstanding eyesight, which comes in handy to spot predators.
Javelina
The Javelina is the only wild pig in North America. It lives in the canyon areas of the desert, because it has bushes and water holes are everywhere. The bushes provide shade, and they need water to survive.
Thorny Devil
This lizard is covered with conical spines and can easily camouflage if they need to hide.
Desert Tortoise
This turtle has muscular, flattened front legs with long claws. They are adapted to be able to dig deep burrows.
Coyote
Its tan coat mixed with gray and brown hairs help when the coyote needs to hide in the underbrush and grass.
Cooperation
An example of cooperation in the desert is the relationship between two species sharing a burrow. One animal digs while the other offer protection. A lot of predators stop going after species living with a rattlesnake.
Competition
An example of competition in the desert is when cacti are forced to compete for root space. They need to continue spreading their roots to absorb water for the cactus to survive, but since water is scarce, they must compete.
Predator/Prey Relationships
1. Hawk and Lizard
2. Scorpion and Insects
3. Mountain Lion and Mule Deer
4. Tarantula Hawk and Tarantula
Intersting Fact about the Desert
The desert is the hottest biome on Earth. It can be well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, but it can get down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Ecological Concerns
Threats to the Desert
1. Higher temperatures may produce an increasing number of wildfires.
2. Irrigation used for agriculture, may in the long term, lead to salt levels in the soil that become too high to support plants.
3. Potassium cyanide used in gold mining may poison wildlife.
4. As people migrate to warmer climates, human expansion occurs in the deserts.
Endangered Species
1. Fennec Fox
2. Pronghorn
3. Caracal
Global Importance of the Desert Biome
Deserts are home to one-sixth of the world's population, and two-thirds of the world's crude oil is found by the drilling in the desert. The desert also is a great area to generate wind and solar energy.
References
1. "Desert Biomes." Desert Biomes. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2013. http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/desert.htm
2. "The Desert Biome." The Desert Biome. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2013. http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/deserts.php
3. "Desert." Desert. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2013. http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/desert4/desert4.html
4. "Desert Biome." Smore. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2013.
https://www.smore.com/85rd-desert-biome
5. BenP. "Why Are Deserts Important? | EHow." EHow. Demand Media, 18 May 2010. Web. 5 Sept. 2013. http://www.ehow.com/about_6528131_deserts-important_.html
6. "Desert Seasons." Desert Seasons. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2013. http://www.scenicdrive.org/pp0202seasons.htm