Fragileness

Question 1

Physical factors that prevent quick recovery from change?

Answer 1

• Lack of biodiversity means species are vulnerable to change
• Soils are dry and shallow, and easily eroded if vegetation is disturbed
• Low rainfall, high temperatures and low plant growth makes recovery from desertification extremely hard
• Animals and plants are highly specialised so they can’t easily adapt

Question 2

Physical factors of arid environments?

Answer 2

• Sparse rainfall
• High rates of evaporation
• High summer temperatures
• Intense solar radiation