Meaning of desert ecosystem?
- A desert ecosystem is an ecosystem that exists in a desert.
- One definition of ‘desert’ is an uninhabited space.
However, any examination of desert ecosystems will show that in fact deserts can be teeming with life.
Characteristics of a desert ecosystem.
Desert ecosystems tend to be:
- Harsh environments.
- Places where animals have had to adapt cleverly to their environments.
- Places where water sources are relatively scarce.
- Places where food sources are relatively scarce.
- Home to a surprising amount of biodiversity.
Major types of desert ecosystems.
Sandy deserts: vast swathes of sand in hot climates.
Ice deserts: cold, seemingly uninhabitable icebergs and other icy places.
Rocky deserts: the rocky peaks of mountains can be designated deserts because many plants and animals can struggle to survive at a high altitude.
Undersea deserts: the depths of the ocean floor are also sometimes designated deserts by scientists due to their harsh conditions.
Conclusion
Desert ecosystems are important spaces for biodiversity and they must be cherished. It is surprising how much life lives in a desert!
Laura