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When most people picture a desert, they imagine a blisteringly hot sea of sand, devoid of any living thing. While it is true that a great many deserts are hot and, at first glance, they appear to be sparsely populated, they are much more interesting than a quick look may reveal. Deserts are found all over the globe, mostly “around a belt of 30° north and south latitude” (Nelson). What makes the desert biome truly interesting to learn about is the unique climate, interesting plants, and distinctive animals that are found there. Thesis statement The climate in the desert is dictated by rainfall and temperature. Deserts receive less than 10 inches of rain a year (bioexpedition.com).
Furthermore, “Some of the driest deserts may not receive any precipitation in a year!” (Jenner), which demonstrates the extreme conditions found in this biome. Deserts are often found in rain shadows on the leeward side of major mountain ranges as well as in the center of continents, far from a source of moisture like an ocean. The temperature range found in deserts varies widely. While most deserts are hot, with temperatures that regularly reach up to 120°F, they can also be cold, with temperatures dipping into the 20’s. Because there is limited water in the desert, plants that live there must make the most of the water that they do get. According to research, “The cactus is the number one plant you will find living in a desert biome” (bioexpedition.com). Cactus are able to thrive in the desert because their thick, waxy surface prevents the loss of moisture. Other plants, such as yuccas, ocotillo, and mesquite, cope with the extreme conditions by using “a unique type of photosynthesis that allows them to only open their pores at night” (Nelson).
Because evaporation rates are lower at night, this means the plants are able to hold onto more moisture. In addition, many desert plants, such as the saguaro and barrel cactus, have the ability to expand in order to store large quantities of water when it rains, allowing them to survive for long periods between storms. Animals that live in the desert biome have found ways to adapt to lack of water and extreme temperatures, too. Some animals, like the kangaroo rat, get all of the moisture they need from the seeds they eat, eliminating the need to drink water to survive. Other animals are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and come out at night when the sun goes down. Some desert creatures, such as mice, rabbits, and rattlesnakes, “create underground tunnels where they are able to stay out of the heat” (bioexpedition.com).
Larger animals in this biome, such as the mountain lion, coyote, and bobcat, survive by feeding on the smaller animals (bioexpedition.com). Desert biomes are interesting and important places. According to “What Defines a Desert?”, the desert is “popular for tourism and recreation” (Nelson). Some of the activities enjoyed in the desert include rock climbing, hiking, and dirt biking. The desert is also used for more serious pursuits such as mining, grazing, and utility projects. Because the desert is a sensitive and unique biome, it will be important to protect it in the future.
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