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Biotic factors
Flora: The dominant plant in deserts is generally a cactus. The Barrel Cactus, also known as the Compass Cactus, will be the cactus you will find the most. This particular cactus is a part of the wislizeni species. Other common plants found in deserts can also be sagebrush (pictured left) and creosote bushes.
Fauna: Primary consumers that are found in deserts would include rats, mice, and some reptiles. A specific rat you might see in a desert is known as the Kangaroo Rat. Secondary consumers in deserts are known as the predators. Examples of these animals are snakes, insect eating lizards and tarantulas. A lizard you may cross paths with would be the Collared Lizard. All these animals have evolved to be able to withstand the hot dry air and minimal water supply.
Adaptations: There are three main methods plants and animals use to be able to survive in the desert. Many plants will die but leave their eggs/seeds behind, animals will also evade and go north or south to survive. Plants also endure the conditions and learn to live with it. Plants and animals that live in deserts also learn how to store water, conserve water and tolerate dehydration. They also have mastered how to reduce heat input, dissipate heat and tolerate hyperthermia.
Food Chain: Producer- Wildflower and shrubs, Consumer-Hares and rats, Predator- Hawks, coyotes and owls.
NPP/GPP: The NPP/GPP is usually higher in the desert-like regions of the world. They usually have a NPP/GPP of about a .7 or greater, which is higher than most other parts of the world. The NPP/GPP of .7 or greater occur at 30N and 30S right where the majority of the deserts are located. The rest of the world's NPP/GPP is less. It ranges from .69 all the way down to .45 or lower.
Biodiversity: The desert has a lower biodiversity than most other biomes. The climate is harsh and not very nutritious, leaving animals less food to eat, as opposed to the tropical rain forest that has plenty of food sources making the animals flock to the location. Also, the desert doesn't provide as many habitats as other biomes as well.
Fauna: Primary consumers that are found in deserts would include rats, mice, and some reptiles. A specific rat you might see in a desert is known as the Kangaroo Rat. Secondary consumers in deserts are known as the predators. Examples of these animals are snakes, insect eating lizards and tarantulas. A lizard you may cross paths with would be the Collared Lizard. All these animals have evolved to be able to withstand the hot dry air and minimal water supply.
Adaptations: There are three main methods plants and animals use to be able to survive in the desert. Many plants will die but leave their eggs/seeds behind, animals will also evade and go north or south to survive. Plants also endure the conditions and learn to live with it. Plants and animals that live in deserts also learn how to store water, conserve water and tolerate dehydration. They also have mastered how to reduce heat input, dissipate heat and tolerate hyperthermia.
Food Chain: Producer- Wildflower and shrubs, Consumer-Hares and rats, Predator- Hawks, coyotes and owls.
NPP/GPP: The NPP/GPP is usually higher in the desert-like regions of the world. They usually have a NPP/GPP of about a .7 or greater, which is higher than most other parts of the world. The NPP/GPP of .7 or greater occur at 30N and 30S right where the majority of the deserts are located. The rest of the world's NPP/GPP is less. It ranges from .69 all the way down to .45 or lower.
Biodiversity: The desert has a lower biodiversity than most other biomes. The climate is harsh and not very nutritious, leaving animals less food to eat, as opposed to the tropical rain forest that has plenty of food sources making the animals flock to the location. Also, the desert doesn't provide as many habitats as other biomes as well.