Desert ecosystem it's types , importance and adaptation of flora and fauna and deserts of Pakistan

Desert ecosystem
Types of desert ecosystem
Adaptation of flora and fauna of deserts ecosystem
Importance of desert
Deserts of Pakistan

1. Desert ecosystem Presented by : syeda fatima Presented to : mam N uzhat

2. WHAT IS A DESERT ? Deserts are characterized by extremely low rainfall, often receiving less than 10 inches (25 cm) annually . Deserts can be hot or cold, with some experiencing scorching daytime temperatures and freezing nights.

3. CHARACTERISTICS The desert ecosystem is characterized by : its arid environment extreme temperatures ( Hot or cold ) scarcity of water

4. Types of deserts .

5. . HOT AND DRY DESERTS

6. . COLD DESERTS

7. . COASTAL DESERTS

8. Hot and dry deserts These are the most common type characterized by: scorching temperatures limited rainfall sandy landscapes. Examples include the Sahara Desert and the Mojave Desert.

9. cold deserts These deserts experience freezing temperatures in winter and cool summers . They are often located at high altitudes or near the poles. Examples include the Gobi Desert and the Patagonian Desert.

10. COASTAL deserts These deserts are situated along coasts, influenced by cool ocean currents that limit precipitation . The Atacama Desert in South America is a prime example.

11. Flora and fauna of deserts .

12. Adaptations of flora and fauna Desert plants have some amazing adaptations that allow them to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Here are some of the most common adaptations:

13. Adaptations of flora Water storage:   Cacti with their thick, fleshy stems store gallons of water. Other plants, such as succulents, store water in their leaves or roots . reduced water loss :  Desert plants have a number of features that help them reduce water loss through transpiration.These features include small leaves, a waxy coating on leaves and stems, and sunken stomata (tiny pores that allow gas exchange).

14. Adaptations of flora Deep root systems:  Many desert plants have deep taproots that can reach down to groundwater sources. This allows them to access water that is unavailable to other plants. Shallow root systems:  Some desert plants, such as creosote bushes, have shallow, widespread root systems that can absorb large amounts of water quickly after a rain shower.

15. Adaptations of flora

16. Adaptations in xerophytes Adaptations in xerophytes include resistance to heat and water loss . One of the most common families of desert plants are the  cacti, which are covered in sharp spines or bristles for defence against herbivory. The bristles on certain cacti also have the ability to reflect sunlight, such as those of the old man cactus.

17. Adaptations in xerophytes Certain xerophytes, like oleander, feature stomata that are recessed as a form of protection against hot, dry desert winds, which allows the leaves to retain water more effectively. Another unique adaptation can be found in xerophytes like ocotillo, which are "leafless during most of the year, thereby avoiding excessive water loss"

18. Adaptations of fauna .

19. Adaptations in animals Many desert animals have evolved physiological adaptations to minimize water loss. These include: Excreting dry waste : Animals like kangaroo rats have very efficient kidneys that produce highly concentrated urine, minimizing water loss. 2. Tolerating high salt levels : Desert animals can excrete excess salt through their sweat glands or tears, allowing them to drink brackish water that would be fatal to other animals.

20. Adaptations in animals 3. Burrowing :  Many desert animals live in burrows underground, where the temperature is more stable and cooler than the surface. 4. Changing body color:  Some desert reptiles, like the desert iguana, can change color to absorb or reflect heat, depending on their needs 5. Nocturnality : Many desert animals are nocturnal, avoiding the hottest part of the day and staying active during the cooler nights when water loss is minimized. 6. Seeking shelter: During the day, desert animals seek shelter in burrows, caves, or under vegetation to escape the heat and retain moisture.

21. Adaptations in animals Camels have adapted to survive hot deserts because they : have humps to store fat which a camel can break down into water and energy when nourishment is not available; rarely sweat, even in hot temperatures, so when they do take in fluids, they can conserve them for long periods; have large, tough lips that enable them to pick at dry and thorny desert vegetation; have broad, flat, leathery feet to spread their weight and provide protection from hot sand

22. Food webs of deserts .

23. Food webs Producers : The base of the desert food web is made up of producer organisms, such as cacti, shrubs, and grasses . Consumers :   : Herbivores: Insects, rodents, and some larger mammals that graze on desert plants. Carnivores: Snakes, lizards, birds of prey, and mammals that hunt other animals. Omnivores: Animals that eat both plants and animals, like foxes and raccoons. Decomposers : like fungi and bacteria, in breaking down dead organisms and recycling nutrients back into the desert ecosystem.

24. Importance of deserts .

25. importance Unique Biodiversity : While deserts may seem barren, they are home to a surprising variety of plants and animals that have adapted to thrive in this unique environment . Unique Landscapes and Ecotourism : The stark beauty and otherworldly landscapes of deserts attract tourists worldwide. This ecotourism industry can provide economic benefits to local communities while promoting desert conservation efforts

26. importance Mineral Resources : Deserts are treasure troves of valuable minerals. The arid conditions promote the concentration of minerals like copper, gypsum, lithium, and rare earth elements, all crucial for modern technology and infrastructure . Astronomical Observatories : With their clear, dry skies and minimal light pollution, deserts are prime locations for astronomical observatories. The Atacama Desert in Chile, for example, is home to some of the world's most powerful telescopes, allowing scientists to peer deep into the universe.

27. Deserts of pakistan Pakistan hosts five deserts which were historically forests. They include: the Thar Desert in Sindh the Cholistan Desert in Bahawalpur (Punjab ) the Thal Desert in Bhakkar (Punjab ) the Kharan Desert in Balochistan the Katpana Desert in Skardu ( Gilgit -Baltistan).

28. Thank you