Deserts

Barren land with little precipitation.

desert regions

A desert is a barren area of land where little precipitation occurs annually, resulting in minimal vegetation and sparse animal life.

Etymology

The word 'desert' comes from the French word 'désert,' meaning 'uninhabited area.'

Explain Like I’m 5

Deserts are places that get very little rain, like the Sahara or Mojave, so plants and animals have to be specially adapted to survive with little water.

Fun Facts

The Sahara Desert is larger than the United States
Some deserts, like the Atacama in Chile, are extremely dry and rarely see rain
Deserts can be hot or cold

FAQ

What is a desert? A desert is an area that receives very little precipitation annually
How do animals survive in deserts? Many desert animals are nocturnal or burrow to escape the heat and conserve water
What plants grow in deserts? Cacti, succulents, and drought-resistant shrubs are common desert plants

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

landforms biomes

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

Sahara Desert Atacama Desert Gobi Desert

Meronyms — Parts or Components

sand dunes oases canyons

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

Earth planet

Indexes

ecological zone natural object

Built by Tim Jones