Desert and Desert-Scrub Biomes Flashcards
How much of the Earth do deserts cover
1/5 of Earth’s surface
What causes deserts
extremely low rainfall
Temperature ranges in deserts
100+ degrees F and cool to the 40’s at night
Are most animals in deserts nocturnal or diurnal
nocturnal
What properties have plants in desert regions evolved
water-retaining properties
Where do arid deserts occur
N. America, S. America, Africa, and S. Asia
What is the climate in arid deserts like
hot and dry
Where do semi-arid deserts occur
N. America, Europe, Russia, and N. Asia
What is the climate like in semi-arid desserts
less dry and have more defined seasons
Temperature ranges in coastal deserts
moderately warm to cool temperatures
Seasons in costal deserts
short, cool winters and long, warm, summers
Precipitation in cold deserts
a moderate amount of snow and rain during summer
What is the soil like in cold deserts
heavy soil
What is the soil like in coastal deserts
sandy, porous soil
Most animals in cold deserts are………
burrowers
What is the ecoregion of the desert biome
desert scrub
What is the prominent plant life of deserts
shrubs
Shrubs can be either ……….. or ………….
evergreen; deciduous
Shrubs in the deserts have an extensive ……… and open network of ……….
root system; plants
Which desert is known as the greatest desert
Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is as big as the ……….
Unites States
Sand dunes in the Sahara Desert can reach as high as …….
600 feet
What adaptations to the desert do organisms have
temperature regulation
metabolism
water loss
How do organisms regulate their temperature
some have long ears with many blood vessels
fat storage in one area of the body
burrowing
How do organisms regulate their metabolism
hibernating
How do organisms regulate water loss
no sweat glands
salt glands
What special adaptations do major flora of the desert have
waxy coating to minimize transpiration
extensive root system
What are examples of flora in the desert
Barrel Cactus, Creosote, Saguaro
Vinegaroon
whip scorpion
mimics actual scorpion
arachnid
Where can the Vinegaroon be found
Southern US and Mexico
What does the Vinegaroon do when provoked
gives off a vinegar smelling odor
