General

• What is the annual rainfall amount that characterizes hot deserts?

  Less than 250 mm
• How do rainfall patterns in hot deserts vary?

  They can have slight rain every few years
• What causes the temperature variations in hot deserts?

  The lack of cloud cover leads to high daytime temperatures and very low nighttime temperatures
• What is the maximum temperature that can be reached during the day in hot deserts?

  45°C
• What temperature can drop below at night in hot deserts?

  0°C
• How does the lack of rainfall affect the soil in hot deserts?

  It limits the soil's ability and leads to erosion
• What is the typical texture of soil found in hot deserts?

  Gravelly texture
• Why are plants in hot deserts spread out sparsely?

  Due to low rainfall
• What type of plants can survive in hot deserts?

  Plants that don't need much water
• How do the sizes of plants in hot deserts contribute to their survival?

  Plants are small and short to survive
• What type of trees and shrubs can grow fairly well in hot deserts?

  Short, woody trees and shrubs
• Why do very few plants have shallow roots in hot deserts?

  To quickly absorb groundwater after rain
• What type of animals are found in hot deserts?

  Animals adapted to the harsh environment
• What is a common characteristic of mammals in hot deserts?

  They tend to be small and nocturnal
• What do most animals do during the harshest conditions in hot deserts?

  They leave the desert
• Which bird can live in hot deserts all year round?

  Roadrunners
• Give an example of a mammal that lives in hot deserts.

  Kangaroo rats
• What is a characteristic of indigenous people living in deserts?

  They are nomadic
• How do many people living in deserts sustain themselves?

  They grow crops near natural oases or grow their own food
• Why do indigenous people travel in deserts?

  To find land and water for their livestock
• What are the main characteristics of hot deserts?

  • Hot, dry, and sandy environment
  • Low populations of plants, animals, and people
  • Shallow soils and sparse vegetation
• What are the adaptations of plants and animals in hot deserts?

  Plants:

  • Sparse distribution
  • Small size and shallow roots

  
  

  Animals:

  • Adapted to harsh conditions
  • Small and nocturnal mammals
  • Some birds can live year-round