In this chapter, we will look at the hot desert biome – a unique natural world feature that is distinct due to its climate, flora, fauna and soil. It is important that you fully understand how the climate controls the development of the biome and how human activities have influenced it.
KEY WORDS
l Biome l Hot desert l The Sahel l Interdependent l Climate l Drought l Evaporation
l Trade winds l Aridisols l Calcification l Salinisation l Flora l Cactus l Adaptation
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What you MUST know l The four main characteristics of the hot desert biome
l How climate controls the development of soil, flora and fauna
l How all characteristics of a biome are interdependent
l Human interaction with desert biomes
What you SHOULD know l Additional examples of flora and fauna adaptations in desert biomes
What is USEFUL to know l Up-to-date information regarding drought in the Sahel
28.1 Biomes
Biomes are unique natural world regions, which are controlled by climate. All biomes can be divided into four main components: climate, soil, flora and fauna. These are all interdependent, meaning that they all rely on and are influenced by each other. Climate is the most important factor controlling the characteristics of a biome. Climate determines:
• What soil develops • What plants grow • What animals live there
550 EARTH
l Fauna l Camel l Poor agricultural practices l Deforestation l Economic activity and climate change
