Desert

Rub al Khali desert

Deserts

Desert of Cerro Armazones, Chile

Gobi desert

Mollweide Cycle

Geological Exfoliation of Granite Rock

Desert is a large, dry, and often sandy region of land that receives very little rainfall. Deserts can be found all over the world, and they are characterized by their harsh conditions and lack of vegetation. Despite these conditions, deserts are home to a variety of plant and animal species that have adapted to survive in such an environment.

Characteristics

Deserts are defined by their lack of precipitation. They receive less than 250 millimeters of rain per year, which is significantly less than most other types of ecosystems. This lack of water makes deserts some of the harshest environments on Earth. The soil in deserts is often sandy or rocky, and there is little organic material to support plant life.

Types of Deserts

There are four main types of deserts: hot and dry deserts, semiarid deserts, coastal deserts, and cold deserts. Each of these types of deserts has its own unique characteristics and species of plants and animals.

Flora and Fauna

Despite the harsh conditions, many species of plants and animals have adapted to live in deserts. These species have developed unique adaptations to survive in the extreme conditions of the desert. For example, many desert plants have thick, waxy leaves to prevent water loss, and many desert animals are nocturnal to avoid the heat of the day.

Human Interaction

Humans have lived in and around deserts for thousands of years. Many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and the Romans, were located near deserts and used them for trade and transportation. Today, many people still live in desert regions, and they have developed ways to survive and thrive in these harsh environments.

Gallery

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See Also

• Desertification
• Desert Survival
• Desert Ecosystem

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