Abiotic Factors
The average temperatures and precipitation levels for deserts are shown in this graph.
The type of soil in the desert varies. In most deserts, the soil is Aridisols, or dry soil. In the Sahara and the Australian outback, the soil is Entisols, which are new types of soil that form sand dunes. Both soils are rich in minerals, but they have little organic material.
The seasons depend on what kind of desert you are in. Both have four seasons, which are summer, fall, winter, and spring. In hot and dry deserts, summer and winter last a little longer and are marked by little amounts of rainfall. Fall and spring are a little shorter, but they bring a large quantity of rainfall.
It may be surprising that the biodiversity levels in deserts are relatively high.
The seasons depend on what kind of desert you are in. Both have four seasons, which are summer, fall, winter, and spring. In hot and dry deserts, summer and winter last a little longer and are marked by little amounts of rainfall. Fall and spring are a little shorter, but they bring a large quantity of rainfall.
It may be surprising that the biodiversity levels in deserts are relatively high.
Biotic factors
This is the Barrel Cactus.
This is the Pancake Prickly Pear Cactus.
This is the Chain Fruit Cholla. The cholla has many segments of irregualr, drooping branches. These branches have grown a dense layer of spines to reflect sunlight and prevent from overheating. The branches also are easily detachable and stick to whoever broke it off, and the seeds are able to be scattered. Animals also rely on the Chain Fruit Cholla. The Bighorn Sheep depends on the cholla for food and water during droughts.
This is the Banded Gila Monster.
This is the Desert Kangaroo Rat. The kangaroo rat has adapted by moving around like a kangaroo. It also can get water from the food that it eats. The rat also has a cheek pouch to hold food in it for weeks, and its tail is used for balance and steering. The kangaroo rat is a omnivore because it only eats seeds, leaves, stems, and insects. The rat hides in burrows during the day and eats during the night to avoid its predators. These predators are coyotes, foxes, badgers, snakes, and owls.
This is the Thorny Devil.