The desert biome covers about one fifth of the Earths surface. Most of the hot, dry deserts are near the Tropic of Cancer while cold deserts are near the Arctic part of the Earth.
Biotic Factors
Native Plant Species
Jumping Cholla- The jumping cholla has adaptation to survive the desert environment such as a thick covering of spines and separated stems that store water and allow of photosynthesis. They grow on the valley floors of the Sonoran uplands and also in the Mohave Desert.
Crimson Hedgehog Cactus- The pulp, flowers, and stems of the cactus are used and the plant grows in middle elevations of deserts and mountain deserts.
Other native plant species include barrel cactus, british bush, desert ironwood, ocotillo, joshua tree, and the palo verde.
Invasive Plant Species
Natal Grass- The natal grass causes changes in the composition and structure of the desert grassland which affects the native plant species.
Other invasive plant species include fountain grass, buffel grass, athel tree, and the tamarisk.
Native Animal Species
Branded Gila Monster- It is one of the two only venomous lizards. it is found in desert biomes of Arizona and Mexico.
Thorny Devil- The thorny devil is a harmless lizard that is found in the desert biomes of Western Australia and Queensland.
Other native animal species include cactus wren, bobcat, javelina, and the Sonoran desert toad.
Invasive Animal Species
Hawk- The hawk endangers the native species by preying on the small mammals that live in the desert biome.
Other invasive animal species include
Abiotic Factors
The annual temperature is -18 degrees Celsius to 49 degrees Celsius. The annual precipitation is about 50 cm per year.
The latitude of the desert biome is about 15 degrees to 35 degrees North and South of the equator. The altitude of the desert biome is between 2400 meters to 6000 meters.
The soil of the desert biome is course-textured and shallow. It has no subsurface water, and the dust and sand particles are blown away, leaving the heavier pieces behind.
Human Interactions With The Environment
Humans can live in the desert biome by industrialization and creating cities to have shelter from the arid environment. Human activity is the main cause of damage to the desert biome by triggering desertification and mining. To prevent further damage to the biome, human expansion into the desert must be restricted.