Deserts

This passage talks about life in the deserts and what life exists there.

Lexile Level: 2130L

Categories: Animals & Nature

A desert is a region of land that receives little precipitation. Precipitation is the quantity of water falling to the earth, as in rainfall. Deserts cover one fifth of the earth's land. While it is assumed that very little plant or animal life exists in deserts, this isn't true. It is true that deserts are very dry. They are also quite hot during the day and cold at night. The amazing plants and animals that live there have learned how to live under these conditions. Desert plants have learned to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots. The saguaro cacti grow in the southwest part of the U.S. They grow very slowly, but live for 200 years! They look prickly, so they are protected by predators. Another common desert plant is the sunflower. The animals of the desert sleep during the hot day or spend time underground. Mountain lions and snakes live in deserts. Camels, hyenas, and antelopes also live in the deserts of the world. Deserts are actually very exciting places. They may look deserted, but they're full of activity.