Introduction
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There are many types of deserts in the world such as snow deserts, water deserts, and dry deserts. Currently, Antarctica polar desert is the largest desert in the world, which covers the area of 14.2 million square kilometers. But when we speak of deserts, we mostly mean the dry deserts, like Sahara Desert. These are stone, debris, or sand deserts that have impressive dunes. These types of deserts are characterized by high temperature differences between day and night. There are sandstorms that threaten humans and animals. Animals and plants must adapt themselves to be able to survive in this harsh environment. Some insects, like beetles, and some animals, like antelopes, have developed special tricks so that they are able to withstand thirst.
How can cactus live with very little water?
cactus have an outer waxy layer and their leaves have evolved into thorns to prevent evaporation of water. In the morning, their thorns and the outer waxy layer are also able to absorb dewdrops. They store water in their bodies and roots and consume it slowly. The Saguaro cactus, a ribbed column cactus which is found in the Mexico desert, fills itself up completely when it rains heavily and expands like an accordion. Cactus have adapted to survive in deserts, where water is scarce and temperatures can be extreme. One of their key adaptations is their thick, fleshy stems, which store water. This allows them to survive long periods without rain. The stem is also covered with a waxy coating to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Their spines, which are modified leaves, help minimize water loss and protect the plant from herbivores. The spines also provide some shade, reducing the plant’s temperature. Cactus also has a special type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, where they open their stomata (tiny pores) at night to reduce water loss. During the cooler night, they take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, which they store and use during the day when the stomata are closed to conserve moisture.
Can the desert really bloom?
Yes, deserts can bloom when it rains after years in the desert, this phenomenon, known as a “desert bloom,” the seeds lying dormant in the ground germinate immediately, and the desert becomes a bed of flowers. When rainfall is sufficient, these seeds germinate quickly, taking advantage of the moisture before it evaporates. Within days or weeks, the desert can transform into a colourful landscape filled with wildflowers and other plants.
The splendour, however, is short-lived. After a few days the plants wither again-but not before creating new seeds, which wait for the next time it rains. Rainfall in the desert often leads to devastating floods because the barren land can barely absorb any water. The water flows off the surface and the small rivulets grow very rapidly to become wide, torrential rivers.
Some well-known examples of desert blooms occur in places like the Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest desert in the world, and California’s Death Valley. From last few years the desert of Saudi Arabia is also turning green. These blooms not only showcase nature’s resilience but also attract many visitors to witness the rare and beautiful transformation of the desert.
How does oasis occur?
Oasis are fertile areas in the deserts where the water is stored underneath the surface. Sand is very porous, so when it rains most of the water runs right through the sand and goes down to the bedrock, usually several hundred feet below the surface. There is also river-water oasis, for example, the one along the river Nile in Egypt. Earlier the oasis were important trading places for passing caravans. The conventional oasis economy provided cereals, pomegranates, and figs as well as dates that grew on the high palm trees. But now the oasis products are no longer in demand because of the Globalization. The oasis is now being abandoned, and are gradually drying up.
Read more: https://testyourgk.in/what-do-plants-and-animals-need-to-grow/
What do the antelopes living in the desert drink water?
Many antelopes, such as the White Oryx found in the Arabian Peninsula, have adapted themselves to a life in the desert. They do not drink water, but eat when it is cooler and when the plants are wet with dewdrops. They pass very little moisture out of their bodies because their bodies have a system of cooling the blood before it reaches the brain. Their fur is generally softer on their underside to reflect ground heat away from the stomach. Even humans such as the tribal people living in the Kalahari in South Africa have adapted themselves to the desert life. They are experts at finding juicy melons and water-storing roots. They also bury sealed ostrich eggs filled with water for use during the dry season.
Why are sandstorms dangerous?
Dry, hot winds that whirl up and carry the desert sand are called sandstorms. They can rage for days and can carry so much of dust that nothing is visible. The sandstorm appears as a solid wall of sand that could be as high as 1.6 to 2 km. Animals wet with and people caught in it can lose their orientation and die. Camels can close their nostrils and they have extra-long eyelashes that cover their eyes. Sandstorms are dangerous due to their intense winds, which can carry vast amounts of dust and sand over large distances. These storms reduce visibility to near-zero, posing significant risk, often causing accidents. The airborne particles in sandstorms can also damage machinery, vehicles, and buildings, as the fine sand infiltrates even the smallest crevices.
For humans, sandstorms are hazardous to health, particularly affecting the respiratory system. Inhalation of dust can cause breathing difficulties, trigger asthma attacks, and lead to lung diseases such as silicosis. The storms can also irritate the eyes and skin, leading to infections and discomfort. In desert regions, sandstorms can lead to loss of crops and vegetation, causing food shortages and economic challenges.
Which is the largest desert in the world?
Currently, the largest desert in the world is the Antarctic Polar Desert. While many people think of deserts as hot, sandy regions like Sahara Desert but a desert is defined by its low precipitation, not by its temperature or sand dunes. The Antarctic polar desert covers an area of about 14.2 million square kilometers making it the largest and driest desert on Earth. It is located around the South Pole and is mostly covered by ice and snow.
The Antarctic Polar Desert is also home to some of the harshest living conditions for humans and animals. However, certain species such as penguins, seals, and hardy microorganisms have adapted to survive in this frozen landscape. The Antarctic Desert plays a crucial role in regulating global weather patterns and climate due to its influence on ocean currents and atmospheric circulation.
Conclusion
Deserts, well-defined by their low precipitation, this desert can be in both hot as well as cold forms, like the Sahara Desert and Antarctic Desert, the world’s largest. Despite their cruel conditions, deserts play important ecological and climatic roles, in our environments.
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