hot deserts Flashcards
(14 cards)
what degrees are hot deserts found from the equator
15degrees and 35degrees north and south
does the atmospheric circulation cause high or low pressure
high
what is the average amount of rainfall a year
250mm
what is the average temp in the day
38degrees in the day
what is the average temp at night
below 0degrees
why is it so cold at night
because there is no cloud cover to retain the heat which gives a larger temp range
characteristics of a hot desert
-no cloud cover
-high atmospheric pressure
-few animals
-sparse vegetation
-dry soils with few nutrients
the deserts ecosystem is interdependent, name 3 examples
1.thin soils are held together by roots
2.leaves provide shade, keeping moisture in soil
3.animals depend on plants and other animals for food
4.dead plants and animals puts nutrients back in the soil
5. normadic people move from place to place to graze cattle. however if overgrazing takes place it can lead to desertification
A simple food chain in a hot desert
cacti—->kangaroo rat—->snake—->hawk
what is biodiversity like in the desert
biodiversity is low due to harsh conditions and poor soils. Areas with a temporary water source or on the edge of the desert are more diverse
plant adaptations in the desert
cacti
-cacti are called succulents which means they store water in their stems
-waxy skin reduces transportation
-no leaves prevents water loss through photosynthesis
-cactus spines deter predators looking for water
-cactus spines help provide shade and reduce evaporation
-cacti have a wide root system to access water
animals adaptations in hot deserts
camels
-long lashes to block sand from getting in eyes
-hairy ears to block stand from getting in ears
-a fatty hump to store and release energy
-thick fur to keep warm at night
-wide feet that don’t sink in the sand
-little water lost through sweating and urination
what does xerophytes mean
a plant that needs very little water
what is an example of a xerophyte
cacti
