The Desert Biome for Middle School Science

Deserts are some of the most extreme environments on Earth. They are defined by low rainfall—usually less than 10 inches (25 cm) per year—and can have very high or very low temperatures.

Deserts are found in different parts of the world, often between 15 and 30 degrees latitude, where sunlight is intense. Many deserts are located in areas with high atmospheric pressure, which limits cloud formation and rainfall. They are also often far from oceans, meaning they do not receive much moisture from ocean winds. Some deserts, such as the Atacama Desert in South America, are in the rain shadow of mountains, where moisture is blocked from reaching the land. Others, like the Gobi Desert in Asia, are located at high elevations, making them cold and dry. Some of the most well-known deserts include the Sahara Desert (Africa), the Mojave Desert (North America), the Atacama Desert (South America), the Arabian Desert (Middle East), and the Great Victoria Desert (Australia).

An Unusual Desert

Although Antarctica is covered in ice, it is actually the driest continent on Earth and is classified as a desert. A desert is defined by its low annual precipitation, and Antarctica receives less than 2 inches (50 mm) of precipitation per year in many areas, making it even drier than the Sahara Desert. The extreme cold prevents moisture from accumulating in the air, leading to very little snowfall or rain. Additionally, strong winds can blow away any accumulated snow, further reducing the amount of precipitation that stays on the surface. Since deserts are defined by dryness rather than temperature, Antarctica qualifies as a polar desert despite its freezing conditions.

Plants of the Desert Biome

Surviving in the desert biome is a challenge for plants. They must endure extreme temperatures, scarce water, and poor soil. To survive, desert plants have evolved special adaptations such as storing water, growing deep roots to find underground moisture, or having waxy coatings to prevent water loss.

• Cacti (North and South America) – Cacti, such as the saguaro and prickly pear, store water in their thick, fleshy stems. They have spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss and protect them from herbivores.

  
  

• Creosote Bush (North America) – This tough shrub has small, waxy leaves to minimize water loss. It also releases chemicals into the soil to prevent other plants from growing too close, reducing competition for water.

  
  

• Welwitschia (Namib Desert, Africa) – This unusual plant has only two long leaves that grow continuously and absorb moisture from fog, allowing it to survive in one of the driest places on Earth.

  
  

• Baobab Tree (Africa, Australia, and Madagascar) – The baobab stores water in its massive trunk, helping it survive long droughts.

  
  

• Tumbleweed (Eurasia and North America) – The tumbleweed grows quickly, produces seeds, then breaks off and rolls across the land, spreading its seeds as it moves.

  
  

Animals of the Desert Biome

Animals in the desert biome must survive with little water and extreme temperatures. Many have adapted by being nocturnal, burrowing underground, or developing ways to store water.

• Fennec Fox (Sahara Desert, Africa) – This small fox has large ears that help release heat, keeping it cool. It is nocturnal, avoiding the hottest parts of the day.

  
  

• Camel (Sahara, Arabian, and Gobi Deserts) – Camels store fat in their humps, which can be converted into energy and water when food is scarce. Their wide feet help them walk on sand without sinking.

  
  

• Kangaroo Rat (North America) – This rodent gets all the water it needs from the seeds it eats and never needs to drink water.

  
  

• Sidewinder Rattlesnake (North America) – This snake moves in a unique sideways motion that helps it travel across loose sand while avoiding too much contact with the hot ground.

  
  

• Thorny Devil (Australia) – This small lizard has spiky skin that collects dew, channeling water toward its mouth to drink.

  
  

People of the Desert Biome

Many indigenous groups have adapted to life in the desert by developing special ways of finding food, water, and shelter.

• Bedouins (Arabian and Sahara Deserts) – These nomadic people travel with camels and livestock, finding water at oases. They wear loose clothing to protect themselves from the sun and conserve sweat.

  
  

• Aboriginal Australians (Great Victoria Desert, Australia) – Aboriginal people use detailed knowledge of the land to find water sources, hunt, and gather edible plants. They often collect water from tree hollows and underground soaks.

  
  

• San People (Kalahari Desert, Africa) – The San, or Bushmen, use tracking skills to hunt animals and find water-storing plants, such as the tsamma melon.

  
  

• Pueblo and Navajo (Southwestern U.S.) – These groups built adobe homes, which have thick walls that keep cool during the day and warm at night. They also developed irrigation techniques to grow crops in the dry climate.

  
  

Current Issues in the Desert Biome

Deserts around the world are facing environmental challenges due to human activities and climate change.

• Desertification – Overgrazing, deforestation, and poor farming practices can turn semi-arid land into desert, expanding deserts and making it harder for people to live there. The Sahel region in Africa is experiencing desertification due to overuse of land.

  
  

• Climate Change – Rising global temperatures are making some deserts even hotter and drier, threatening plants, animals, and human communities.

  
  

• Water Scarcity – Many desert regions are running out of groundwater due to overuse. Cities built near deserts, such as Las Vegas, rely heavily on limited water sources.

  
  

• Habitat Destruction – Expanding cities, roads, and farms are destroying fragile desert ecosystems, making it harder for wildlife to survive.

  
  

Despite these challenges, deserts remain some of the most fascinating and resilient ecosystems on Earth. Scientists and conservationists are working to protect these unique environments while finding ways to live sustainably in them.

Check out my biome resources at Teachers Pay Teachers! I have reading passages, picture cards for sorting, and flashcards! You can also check out the flashcards right here!

Here is a preview of the sorting picture cards!

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