He desert ecosystem refers to the different species of plants and animals that coexist in the desert areas. Among these exist vital relationships that determine their living conditions and enable mutual survival.
The deserts are territories that are characterized by an arid and dry environment, caused by the scarcity of rain. These characteristics make them difficult to inhabit.
There are hot deserts, such as the Sahara; and cold, like the high peaks of the mountains. Both kinds of deserts receive very little rainfall and are characterized by large decreases in temperature during the night.
Due to these unique characteristics, the ecosystems that develop in these zones are quite particular. The vegetation is usually covered with earth and trees that are resistant to the difficult living conditions that surround them.
Main Features
Deserts receive less than 25 centimeters of rain per year and this value is often variable, so it can sometimes be even lower. For example, there are areas of the Sahara desert that spend years without receiving a single drop of rain.
In the desert areas there are wide ranges of temperature throughout the day and night. The absence of vegetation and water makes it difficult for the earth to absorb solar radiation.
For this reason, it is difficult for the earth to conserve heat at night; this causes strong decreases in temperature during night hours.
The soil is very dry, usually composed of sand; therefore, it is low in organic nutrients needed for most plants. This makes vegetation development difficult and only a few species can grow in it.
The animals and plants that inhabit the deserts usually have special characteristics that allow their survival. These characteristics include the ability to store water and reproduce rapidly during brief periods of humidity.
The three types of desert ecosystems
1- Hot Deserts
The hot deserts are located near the line of the Ecuador and its altitude is usually near the level of the sea. The Sahara is the best-known example of this kind of deserts.
This type of ecosystem has very hot soil, little water and little shade. Therefore, they offer conditions in which few plant species can survive.
2- Cold deserts
Cold deserts occur in places of high altitude, especially in the rocky peaks of the highest mountains.
The soil of cold deserts is usually sandy or rocky, a hostile environment for the development of any plant and animal species. However, it is also possible to see how living things have adapted to survive.
3- Frozen deserts
Icy deserts are another type of cold desert that occur mainly in the north and south poles of the planet, as well as in the perpetual snows of the mountain peaks. In these cases, the soil is not sand or rock, but is composed entirely of ice.
Fauna
Insects and Arachnids
Insects are the animal species that proliferate more easily in the desert. Among the most common are lobsters, moths, beetles, ants and spiders.
Within some desert ecosystems, cassava moths play a very important role. These insects are responsible for the pollination necessary for the reproduction of the cassava plant.
Reptiles
Desert reptiles are characterized by their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, thanks to the ability to control their body temperatures. Within this category are different species of snakes and lizards.
Within the desert serpents are the rattlesnake, the snake, the king's snake and the snake hognose. On the other hand, among the lizards are some species able to change color and camouflage, or other venomous species such as the frilled neck lizard and the gila monster.
Birds
The birds of the desert have particular characteristics that allow them to survive in this hostile environment. The sand grouse has special feathers that absorb water, which guarantees its survival and that of its young.
Other birds, like the gila carpenter, make their nests inside the cacti. Thanks to the fresh and humid interior of these plants, the survival of babies is guaranteed.
Mammals
There are different species of mammals of varying sizes and characteristics. Most of these are excavators, capacity that allows them to escape from the high temperatures during the day and leave during the night to feed.
However, there are also animals that do not dig, as is the case of kangaroos, horses and lions. The latter, for example, obtain water from the blood of their prey.
There are also other animals, such as foxes, rabbits and hedgehogs, which have ears that perform the function of radiating heat away from their body. For its part, the desert squirrel holds its tail over its head like a parasol to keep it cool.
Within this category, of course, camels are included. Their main quality is the ability to store fat on their humps for their food and their ability to survive with little water.
Flora
The plants of the deserts produce seeds that are capable of remaining dormant for extended periods of time. Thanks to this, they can survive extensive droughts, until the rain appears to allow the development of a new plant.
Succulent plants
Succulent plants, such as cacti, have the ability to store water in their thorns. In these species photosynthesis occurs in the stem and have folds that can expand rapidly during brief periods of humidity.
Shrubbery
Shrubs have special structures that prevent water from escaping. Plants like holly hold their leaves in such a way that the sun hits only their sides; also have a thin salt cover, which reflects the sun and prevents it from directly striking the blade.
References
- Concord. (S.F.). Deserts. Retrieved from: staff.concord.org
- Defenders of wild life. (S.F.). Desert Plants and Animals. Retrieved from: defenders.org
- Important India. (2016). What is a Desert Ecosystem? - Meaning and Types. Recovered from: importantindia.com
- Mondal, P. (S.F.). Desert Ecosystem: Types, Characteristics, Structure and Function of Desert Ecosystem. Recovered from: yourarticlelibrary.com
- National Geografic. (S.F.). Deserts. Retrieved from: nationalgeographic.com