Desserts

Created by mountain ranges which block precipitation forming a rain shadow, or areas which are devoid of a large body of water, from which the wind can carry moisture inland, deserts are one of the starkest landscapes on earth. In terms of plant growth, very little occurs due to the lack of water. Those plants which do grow are normally succulents, such as cacti which are able to absorb and hold large quantities of water. The plants other than the succulents are either very fast growing annuals, which complete their entire lifecycle during the short rainy periods of the desert, or they have small very modified leaves which reflect radiation and reduce water loss. The plants of the desert are always struggling for survival.

Desert animals also have problems with the extremely high temperatures in the day, as high as 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and the near freezing temperatures at night. Animals which can be found are usually nocturnal. Some animals may go into periods of reduced activity during the very dry periods. These animals will reproduce quickly during periods of rainfall.