DESERT ECOSYSTEMS
DESCRIPTION
Deserts cover more than one fifth of the
Earth's land, and they are found on every
continent. A place that receives less than
10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain per year
is considered a desert.
 Despite the common conceptions of
deserts as dry and hot, there are cold
deserts as well.

PLANTS


Desert plants may have to go
without fresh water for years
at a time. Some plants have
adapted to the dry climate by
growing long roots that tap
water from deep
underground. Other plants,
such as cacti, have special
means of storing and
conserving water. Many
desert plants can live to be
hundreds of years old.
http://www.terragalleria.c
om/picturessubjects/desert-plants/
Some desert plants are
covered with tiny hairs that
reflect the sun and prevent
evaporation. They look grey
from a distance.
Some desert plants such as
rabbit brush have tiny
leaves to prevent
evaporation.


Big sagebrush has two types
of leaves. Large leaves grow in
the spring to help the plant
grow quickly and absorb water.
These leaves fall off during the
rest of the year so the plant
can conserve water.
Big sagebrush has three types of roots. Shallow
roots absorb rapid rainfall. Longer roots that soak
up any water in the soil. And a large taproot that
can extend 6 feet or more to soak up deep ground
water.

Many types of
cactus are able
to store water in
their spongey
tissue to save for
later. Cactus
leaves are spines
to protect them
from predators
who might also
like that water
supply!
COMMON ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS
Avoiding activity during the
daytime when temperatures are
highest.
 Finding a cool place to hide such
as a burrow, the shade of plants,
or creating a den.
 Shedding extra fur or feathers
during the summer.
 Having large ears to cool blood
vessels.

DESERT FOOD WEBS EXAMPLE
 Herbivores




include:
Mammals such as mice,
rats, rabbits, sheep, deer,
squirrels, prairie dogs
Birds such as quail and
doves
Insects such as butterflies,
moths, ants, and aphids
Reptiles such as tortoises
and iguanas
 Carnivores




include:
Mammals such as
coyotes, fox, bob cats,
Birds such as owls and
hawks
Arachnids such as
spiders and scorpions
Reptiles such as snakes
and lizards
DECOMPOSERS INCLUDE

fungi, bacteria,
termites, earth
worms, and dung
beetles