THE DESERT BIOME

By: Ally Kroger and Roman Mohammed

No alternate names*

Location Desert – An area where

evaporation exceeds precipitation.

Found in North America, South America, Australia, Arabian Peninsula, Syria, Israel, Africa, and Southern parts of Asia

Endangered species: Desert Tortoise found in Saguaro National Park Mojave Desert

Deserts around the world

Climate In winter temperatures

reach 0ºF in summer upwards of 120ºF

6.63 Inches of rain annually

Downwind sides of mountains due to rain shadow effect

Soil has little vegetation and moisture to store heat

Skies usually clear

Plant Adaptation Saguaro Cactus

has prickly spines Long roots - absorb water and

stores in thick stem

Creosote Bush For protection uses smell and taste Tiny leaves close their pores during

day ○ avoid water loss

Open pores at night to absorb moisture

Ocotillo Become dormant during dry

periods. Spring to life when water becomes available.

Animal Adaptation Jackrabbit

Large ears lined with shallow blood vessels allow air to cool their blood

Golden eagle Rises above the heat,

finding cooler temperatures Desert Tortoise

Most active in the morning and early evening

When not active, seek shelter in burrows or rock crevices

drink huge quantities of water when available

Soil and Chemical Cycling

Soil is sandy or rocky with good drainage

Fairly low salt concentration

Soil quality is low Low moisture content

Slow nutrient cyclingLittle bacterial activity

Economic Value Mojave Desert

provides more than $1 billion annually in economic benefitsTourism, film industry,

military testing and training

people pay more for homes near protected open spaces

Resources

Human Disturbances Soil destruction by off-road

vehicles

Depletion of underground water supplies

Pollution from mineral extraction

Storage of toxic and radioactive wastes

Solar cells

DESERT TORTOISEGOPHERUS AGASSIZII

Part 2Endangered Species

Characteristics U.S.A., California, Mojave Desert Mojave desert and Sonoran Desert Grass, herbs, wildflowers, NG cacti,

fruits, and soil (rocks) 95% in burrows 140 degree ground, reproduce in

summer/fall

Why? Urbanization, Disease, Habitat

destruction, and fragmentation Illegal collection, and Vandalism by

humans Crushing byautomobiles

Level of Endangerment Listed as federally threatened species 90% decline since 3,200 in 2000 – 1,700 in 2007 2-3 in a 100 live to become adults

Laws Endangered species act T.A.P. Touch, harm, harass, or collect

ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

Part 3Laws that apply

ESA Enacted by the 93rd United States

Progress Richard Nixon signed it December 28,

1973

Provisions Taking, possession, sale, and transport. It provides the authority to acquire land

for conservation by purchasing the areas needed with water and land conservation funds.

Enforcements US Fish and Wildlife Service

Can arrest you without a warrant if caught breaking any of the rules

Changes The number of animals and plants on

the list More and more species are being added

on

APPLICATION The Desert Tortoise is endangered

Save usPLEASE!!!!

We’re endangered