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Deserts are formed in regions with less than 25 cm of annual rainfall, .or sometimes in hot regions where there is more rainfall, but unevenly distributed in the annual cycle.
Lack’ of rain in the mid latitude is often due to stable high pressure zones; deserts in temperate regions often lie in “rain shadows”, that is where high Mountains block off moisture from the seas.
The Climate:of these biomes is modified by altitUde and latitude. At greater distance from the equator the deSerts are cold and hot near equator and tropics.
As the large volume of water passes through the Irrigation system, salts may be left behind that will gradually accumulate over the years until they become limiting, unless means of avoiding this difficulty are devised
Adaptations
(i) These Plants conserve water by following methods:
They are mostly shrubs. Leaves are absent or reduced in size.
Leaves and stem are succulent and water storing.
In some plants even the stem contains chlorophyll for Photosynthesis.
Root system is well developed and spread over large area.
The annuals wherever present germinate, bloom and reproduce only during the short rainy season, and not in summer and winter.
(ii) The animals are physiologically and behaviorally adapted to desert conditions.
They are fast runners.
They are nocturnal in habit to avoid the sun’s heat during day time.
They conserve water by excreting concentrated urine.
Animals and birds usually have long legs to keep the body away from the hot ground.
Lizards are mostly insectivorous and can live without drinking water for several days.
Herbivorous animals get sufficient water from the seeds which they eat.
Mammals as a group are poorly adapted to deserts
Indian Desert — Thar desert (hot)
The climate of this region is characterised by excessive drought, the rainfall being scanty and , irregular.
The winter rains of northern India rarely penetrate into the region.
The proper desert plants may be divided into two main groups.
- i) depending directly upon on rain and
- ii) those depending on the presence of subterranean water.
The first group consists of two types:
the ‘ephemera’s’ and the rain perennials’.
The ephemera’s are delicate annuals, apparently free from any xerophilous adaptations, having slender stems and root-systems and often large Flowers.
They appear almost immediately after rain, develop flowers and fruits in an incredibly short time, and die as soon as the surface layer of the Soil dries up.
The rain perennials are visible above the ground only during the rainy season, but have a perennial underground stem.
The second group – depending on the presence of subterranean water
By far the largest number of indigenous plants are capable of absorbing water from deep below the surface of the ground by means of a well-developed root system, the main part of which generally consists of a slender, woody tap root of extraordinary length.
Generally, various other xerophilous adaptations are resorted to such as reduced leaves, thick hairy Growth, succulence, coatings of wax, thick cuticle, protected stomata, etc., all having for their object of reduction of Transpiration.
It is home to some of India’s most magnificent grasslands and sanctuary for a charismatic bird, the Great Indian Bustard. Among the mammal fauna, the blackbuck, wild ass, chinkara, caracal, Sandgrouse and desert fox inhabit the open plains, grasslands, and saline depressions.
The nesting ground of Flamingoes and the only known Population of Asiatic wild Ass lies in the remote part of Great Rarm, Gujarat.
It is the Migration flyway used by cranes and flamingos.
Some endemic Flora species of Thar Desert includes Calligonum Polygonoides, Prosopis cineraria, Tecomella undulate, Cenchrus biflorus and Sueda fruticosa , etc
Cold desert of India include areas of ladak, leh and kargil of kashmir and spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh and some parts of northern Uttaranchal and Sikkim. Lies in rain shadow of Himalaya Oak, pine, deodar, birch and rhododendron are the important trees and bushes found there. Major animal include yaks, dwarf cows, and goats.
Severe arid conditions – Dry Atmosphere
Mean annual rainfall less than 400mm
Soil type – sandy to sandy loam , Soil pH – neutral to slight alkaline.
Soil nutrient – Poor organic matter content ,low water retention capacity
Bio-diversity
Cold desert is the home of highly adaptive, rare endangered fauna, such as
Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Argali, Ladakh Uriyal, Bharal, Tibetan Antelope (chiru),
Tibetan Gazelle, Wild Yak, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Wild
Dog and Tibetan Wild Ass (‘Kiang’ a close relative of the Indian wild ass) ,
Woolly hare, Black Necked Crane, etc.
India as a signatory to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
(UNCCD) has submitted four National Reports to UNCCD
in the years 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2010
Some of the major programmes currently implemented that address issues related to land degradation and desertification is:-
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP),
- National Afforestation Programme (NAP),
- National Mission for Green India (GIM),
- The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural EMPLOYMENT Guarantee Scheme
- (MGNREGS),
- Soil Conservation in the Catchment of River Valley Project and Flood Prone River,
- National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA),
- Desert Development Programme (DDP)
- Fodder and Feed Development Scheme-component of Grassland Development including
- Grass Reserves, Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) programme etc
,
Deserts are one of the most extreme and fascinating Ecosystems on Earth. They cover about one-third of the Earth’s land surface, and they are home to a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh conditions.
Deserts are characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and strong winds. The lack of water is the most important factor that shapes desert ecosystems. Plants and animals that live in deserts have evolved to conserve water. For example, many desert plants have long roots that can reach deep underground to find water. Some desert plants have thick, waxy leaves that help to prevent water loss. Desert animals also have adaptations that help them to conserve water. For example, many desert animals are nocturnal, which means that they are active at night when it is cooler and there is less Evaporation. Some desert animals, such as camels, can store water in their bodies.
Deserts are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Some of the most common plants in deserts include cacti, succulents, and Grasses. Cacti are adapted to the desert by having thick, fleshy stems that store water. Succulents also have thick, fleshy leaves that store water. Grasses are able to survive in the desert because they have a shallow root system that can reach water that is close to the surface.
Some of the most common animals in deserts include reptiles, rodents, and insects. Reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, are able to survive in the desert because they have a dry, scaly skin that helps to prevent water loss. Rodents, such as rats and mice, are able to survive in the desert because they are small and have a high metabolic rate, which means that they can generate a lot of heat. Insects, such as beetles and ants, are able to survive in the desert because they are small and have a low metabolic rate, which means that they do not need to eat very much.
Deserts are important ecosystems that play a vital role in the Earth’s climate. Deserts help to regulate the Earth’s temperature by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night. Deserts also help to filter the air and provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals.
Deserts are facing a number of threats, including Climate Change, deforestation, and overgrazing. Climate change is causing deserts to become hotter and drier, which is making it difficult for plants and animals to survive. Deforestation is the removal of trees from an area, which can lead to soil erosion and desertification. Overgrazing is the grazing of Livestock on an area of land that is not able to support the number of animals, which can lead to the destruction of plants and soil.
It is important to protect deserts so that they can continue to play their vital role in the Earth’s climate. We can do this by reducing our emissions of greenhouse gases, planting trees, and reducing our consumption of meat. We can also support organizations that are working to protect deserts.
Deserts are a fascinating and important part of our planet. We need to do everything we can to protect them so that they can continue to thrive for generations to come.
What is a desert?
A desert is a region that receives very little rainfall. Deserts can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
What are the different types of deserts?
There are three main types of deserts: hot deserts, cold deserts, and coastal deserts. Hot deserts are the most common type of desert. They are found in areas near the equator, such as the Sahara Desert in Africa and the Arabian Desert in Asia. Cold deserts are found in areas near the poles, such as the Arctic Desert in North America and the Antarctic Desert in Antarctica. Coastal deserts are found near the coast, such as the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Namib Desert in Namibia.
What are the characteristics of a desert?
Deserts are characterized by their low rainfall, high temperatures, and sparse vegetation. Deserts can be very hot during the day and very cold at night. The lack of rainfall makes it difficult for plants to grow in deserts.
What are the animals that live in a desert?
Animals that live in deserts have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert. Some animals, such as camels, have large bodies that help them store water. Other animals, such as snakes, have long bodies that help them move quickly through the sand.
What are the plants that live in a desert?
Plants that live in deserts have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert by having long roots that help them reach water deep underground. Other plants, such as cacti, have thick, fleshy leaves that store water.
What are the threats to desert ecosystems?
Desert ecosystems are threatened by human activities, such as mining, agriculture, and development. These activities can lead to the loss of habitat, the fragmentation of ecosystems, and the introduction of invasive species.
What can we do to protect desert ecosystems?
We can protect desert ecosystems by reducing our consumption of Resources, such as water and energy. We can also support organizations that are working to protect desert ecosystems.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a characteristic of a desert ecosystem?
(A) Low rainfall
(B) High temperatures
(C) Abundant plant life
(D) A wide variety of animal life
Answer (C)
Deserts are characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and a wide variety of animal life. However, plant life is not abundant in deserts.
Question 2
Which of the following is a type of desert plant?
(A) Cacti
(B) Trees
(C) Grasses
(D) All of the above
Answer (A)
Cacti are a type of desert plant that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert by storing water in their stems.
Question 3
Which of the following is a type of desert animal?
(A) Camels
(B) Snakes
(C) Lizards
(D) All of the above
Answer (D)
Camels, snakes, and lizards are all types of desert animals that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert by developing ways to conserve water.
Question 4
Which of the following is a threat to desert ecosystems?
(A) Overgrazing
(B) Desertification
(C) Climate change
(D) All of the above
Answer (D)
Overgrazing, desertification, and climate change are all threats to desert ecosystems. Overgrazing occurs when too many animals graze on the plants in a desert, which can lead to the destruction of the plant life. Desertification is the process of a desert expanding into an area that was previously not a desert. Climate change can lead to changes in rainfall patterns, which can have a negative impact on desert ecosystems.
Question 5
What can be done to protect desert ecosystems?
(A) Reduce overgrazing
(B) Plant trees
(C) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(D) All of the above
Answer (D)
Reducing overgrazing, planting trees, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are all things that can be done to protect desert ecosystems. Reducing overgrazing will help to protect the plant life in a desert. Planting trees will help to provide shade and shelter for animals in a desert. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will help to reduce the Impact Of Climate Change on desert ecosystems.