Desert EcosystemsChapter B1

Lesson 3

Desert – an ecosystem found where there is very little rainfall.Deserts are dry and hot. There are very few clouds.Two kinds of deserts:

Hot desertsCold deserts

Hot desertsTemperatures are very warm all year roundThe summers are very hot

Cold deserts Short, warm summersLong, cold wintersFound in places near the north and south poles

Desert PlantsMany plants are found in the desert. They usually grow close to the ground.These plants have special parts that help them save water.The special parts are: thick stem, shallow and wide roots, and thick skin covered with spines instead of leaves.

Desert AnimalsThere are many animals in the desert.They can survive by eating other animals or by eating plants that store water.To protect them from the hot sun, they stay in the shade or in their shelter.Animals may build their shelters inside plants.Some animals sleep during the day and are active at night. Some animals have hard shells to protect them from losing much water.More animals live in hot deserts than in cold deserts.

Roadrunner

Anteater

ScorpionGila monster (lizard)

Camel

Deserts in the United States

Great Basin Desert

Mojave Desert

Chihuahua Desert

Sonoran Desert

Great Basin Desert

California

Nevada

Idaho

Utah

Mojave Desert

California

Nevada

Arizona

Utah

Chihuahuan Desert

Arizona

New Mexico

Texas

Sonoran Desert

California

Arizona

Review

What is a desert?

How do plants survive in the desert?

How do animals survive in the desert?

Learn more about desertshttp://www.jlhs.nhusd.k12.ca.us/Classes/Science/Net_Lessons/Biomes/deserts.html#anchor325870 Desert information

http://idptv.state.id.us/dialogue4kids/season3/desert/plants.htmlDesert information

http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/desert/tplants.htm Desert plants

http://www.brainpop.com/science/ecology/desert/index.weml?&tried_cookie=true Desert