Life: The Science of Biology, 10e - WH Freeman
Life: The Science of Biology, 10e - WH Freeman
Life: The Science of Biology, 10e - WH Freeman
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Chapter 54 | Ecology and the Distribution <strong>of</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 13HOT DESERTHot deserts arefound at about30° north andsouth <strong>of</strong> theequator.EquatorSucculents such as agave, candelabra, and cardon characterize thedeserts <strong>of</strong> the North American Southwest.Gemsbok (Oryx gazella) on the dunes,Namib-Naukluft National Park, NamibiaCommunity compositionDominant plantsMany different growth forms (but few or no trees)Species richnessPlants: Moderately rich; many annualsAnimals: Very rich in rodents; richest beecommunities on Earth; very rich in reptilesand butterfliesSoil biotaFew species<strong>The</strong> fog-basking beetle (Onymacris unguicularis)retrieves the water it needs to survive from themorning fogs <strong>of</strong> Africa’s Namib Desert.Temperature°CRange 9.5°C403020 Winter isvery warm10and dry.0JanJulPrecipitationcmAnnual total: 15 cm50JanJulKhartoum,Sudan 15.5°NSummer is verywarm and less dry.DecDec(Page 1132)LIFE <strong>The</strong> <strong>Science</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Biology</strong> 10E SadavaSinauer AssociatesMorales StudioFigure 54.Biome 5 Date 07-13-12© 2014 Sinauer Associates, Inc.
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