The Desert Biome

1. By: Ally Kroger and Roman Mohammed The Desert Biome No alternate names*

2. Location • Desert – An area where evaporation exceeds precipitation. • Found in North America, South America, Australia, Arabian Peninsula, Syria, Israel, Africa, and Southern parts of Asia • Endangered species: Desert Tortoise found in Saguaro National Park Deserts around the world Mojave Desert

3. Climate • In winter temperatures reach 0ºF in summer upwards of 120ºF • 6.63 Inches of rain annually • Downwind sides of mountains due to rain shadow effect • Soil has little vegetation and moisture to store heat • Skies usually clear

4. Plant Adaptation • Saguaro Cactus • has prickly spines • Long roots - absorb water and stores in thick stem • Creosote Bush • For protection uses smell and taste • Tiny leaves close their pores during day • avoid water loss • Open pores at night to absorb moisture • Ocotillo • Become dormant during dry periods. Spring to life when water becomes available.

5. Animal Adaptation • Jackrabbit • Large ears lined with shallow blood vessels allow air to cool their blood • Golden eagle • Rises above the heat, finding cooler temperatures • Desert Tortoise • Most active in the morning and early evening • When not active, seek shelter in burrows or rock crevices • drink huge quantities of water when available

6. Soil and Chemical Cycling • Soil is sandy or rocky with good drainage • Fairly low salt concentration • Soil quality is low • Low moisture content • Slow nutrient cycling • Little bacterial activity

7. Economic Value • Mojave Desert provides more than $1 billion annually in economic benefits • Tourism, film industry, military testing and training • people pay more for homes near protected open spaces • Resources

8. Human Disturbances • Soil destruction by off-road vehicles • Depletion of underground water supplies • Pollution from mineral extraction • Storage of toxic and radioactive wastes • Solar cells

9. Part 2 Endangered Species Desert TortoiseGopherus agassizii

10. Characteristics • U.S.A., California, Mojave Desert • Mojave desert and Sonoran Desert • Grass, herbs, wildflowers, NG cacti, fruits, and soil (rocks) • 95% in burrows • 140 degree ground, reproduce in summer/fall

11. Why? • Urbanization, Disease, Habitat destruction, and fragmentation • Illegal collection, and Vandalism by humans • Crushing by automobiles

12. Level of Endangerment • Listed as federally threatened species • 90% decline since • 3,200 in 2000 – 1,700 in 2007 • 2-3 in a 100 live to become adults

13. Laws • Endangered species act • T.A.P. • Touch, harm, harass, or collect

14. Part 3 Laws that apply Endangered Species Act

15. ESA • Enacted by the 93rd United States Progress • Richard Nixon signed it December 28, 1973

16. Provisions • Taking, possession, sale, and transport. • It provides the authority to acquire land for conservation by purchasing the areas needed with water and land conservation funds.

17. Enforcements • US Fish and Wildlife Service • Can arrest you without a warrant if caught breaking any of the rules

18. Changes • The number of animals and plants on the list • More and more species are being added on

19. APPLICATION • The Desert Tortoise is endangered Save us PLEASE!!!! We’re endangered