semi arid desert biome

Semi Arid Desert

LOCATION

The major deserts of this type include the Sagebrush of Utah, Montana, and Great Basin. They also include the Nearctic realm (North America, Newfoundland, Greenland, Russia, Europe, and Northern Asia.

GEOLOGY

The soil can range from sandy and fine-textured to loose rock fragments, gravel, or sand. It has low salt concentration, compared to deserts which receive a lot of rain. In areas such as mountain slopes, the soil is shallow, rocky, or gravely with good drainage.

In the upper bajada (lower slopes) the soil is coarse-textured, rocky, well-drained and partly "laid by rock bench." In the lower bajada (bottom land) the soil is sandy and fine-textured, often with "caliche hardpan." In each case there is no subsurface water.

CLIMATE

The summers are moderately long and dry, and like hot deserts, the winters normally bring low concentrations of rainfall. Summer temperatures usually average between 21-27 degrees C. Temperatures usually do not go above 38 degrees C, and evening temperatures are reasonably cool; around 10 degrees C. Cool nights help both plants and animals by reducing moisture loss from transpiration, sweating, and breathing.

PLANT LIFE

The nature of many plants in the semi-arid desert provide protection in a hazardous environment. Many plants have silvery or glossy leaves, allowing them to reflect more radiant energy. These plants can often have an unfavorable odor or taste. Semiarid plants include: Creosote bush, bur sage, white thorn, cat claw, mesquite, brittle bushes, lyciums, and jujube.

Creosote Bush

Cat Claw

Brittle Bush

SYMBIOTIC INTERACTIONS

While symbiotic relationships in desert areas still require quite a bit a research, there is a fascinating case that has to do with the extensive ant life in Australia's most arid areas. Ants protect sap-sucking insects and insects can produce honey-dew and ants love honey-dew so there you have it; a win-win relationship!

The second example of a symbiotic interaction in semi arid deserts is between the fungus and termites, but the exact nature of this relationship is not known. It is possible that the fungus provides a direct food source for the termites. On the other hand, the termite may produce enzymes that can predigest the fungi cone on which termitomycete grows.

Works Cited

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/biomes/desert

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/desert-biome-animals-and-plants

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.helium.com/items

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/deserts

Web.<en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biome>

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.worldbiomes.com/biome_desert

ANIMAL LIFE

During the day, insects move around twigs to stay on the shady side; jack rabbits follow the moving shadow of a cactus or shrub. Naturally, many animals find protection in underground burrows where they are insulated by heat and aridity. These animals include mammals such as the kangaroo rats, rabbits, and skunks; insects like grasshoppers and ants; reptiles are represented by lizards and snakes; and birds such as burrowing owls and the California thrasher.