Biodiversity

• What are the three main components of hot deserts that rely on each other?

  Biotic, climatic, and abiotic components
• How do plants contribute to the ecosystem in hot deserts?

  Plants take up water from the soil and provide nutrients and shade to enable more plants to grow
• What effect does the hot and dry climate have on plant growth in deserts?

  It limits growth and protects plants from damage by fungi and insects
• Why does sparse vegetation limit biodiversity in deserts?

  It limits the amount of food available, supporting only low populations of animals and people
• What can cause ecosystem collapse in hot deserts?

  Overgrazing by cattle can destabilize the ecosystem
• What happens to soil particles when there are fewer plants stabilizing the topsoil?

  Wind can blow bare soil particles into the atmosphere, forming dust clouds
• What is the consequence of dust clouds formed from bare soil particles?

  They can cause rainfall, reaching deserts even further
• What happens when water supplies in deserts dry up?

  People, plants, and livestock may die
• What is the current state of biodiversity in hot deserts?

  Biodiversity is relatively low and many species are threatened
• What is causing the decline of small animals and plants in deserts?

  Human activities are leading to habitat loss and species decline
• How does human population growth affect biodiversity in deserts?

  It leads to habitat loss as people seek resources
• What role does overgrazing play in threatening biodiversity?

  It overuses or consumes water supplies
• How does driving around the desert affect water supplies?

  It can lead to run-off that contaminates water supplies
• What is the impact of global climate change on hot deserts?

  It is making deserts larger and drier
• How does road construction affect land and water in deserts?

  It uses up land and water resources
• What is the consequence of larger herds seeking food in deserts?

  They threaten many animals’ territories and food sources
• What is the risk for species that are already endangered in deserts?

  They risk losing their territories or habitats
• How does low biodiversity and climate change affect insects in deserts?

  It increases the threat to insects
• What are the interdependent components of hot desert ecosystems?

  • Biotic components (living organisms)
  • Climatic components (weather)
  • Abiotic components (non-living elements)
• What are the consequences of changes in hot desert ecosystems?

  • Ecosystem collapse
  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Increased threats to species
  • Changes in water supply and soil stability