Deserts: Vocabulary and Key Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to deserts and their ecosystems.

Desert

A place that gets very little rain, where evaporation exceeds precipitation.

Semi-desert

A type of land that is drier than a normal grassland but not as dry as a desert.

Weathering

The process of rocks breaking down over time due to wind, rain, and ice.

Ecosystem

A community of living things and their environment, all working together.

Evaporates

When a liquid changes into a gas, like when water turns into steam.

Adapted

To change over time to better survive in a particular environment.

Sandstorms

Storms that are caused by strong winds picking up and carrying sand.

Dust storms

Storms that involve strong winds lifting and carrying dust particles.

Desert pavement

A surface made up of smooth stones found in some deserts.

Dunes

Mounds of sand formed by the wind in desert areas.

Extreme temperature changes

Significant variations in temperature between day and night in deserts.

Unique plants and animals

Species that have special adaptations allowing them to thrive in harsh desert conditions.

Harsh environments

Areas that are difficult for living organisms to survive due to extreme conditions.

Thick leaves or stems

Plant adaptations that help store water in arid conditions.

Burrows

Underground shelters that some desert animals use to escape the heat.

Cacti

Plants commonly found in deserts, known for their ability to retain water.

Antarctica

One of the locations where deserts can be found; known as a polar desert.

Sahara Desert

A well-known desert located in Africa.

Mojave Desert

A desert located in the United States.

Protecting deserts

The act of conserving desert ecosystems and the wildlife inhabiting them.

Adaptation strategies

Methods organisms use to adjust to environmental challenges.