Desert

Desert occurs in continental interiors around the world north and south of the equator from 15° to 35° latitude. Wind patterns prevent this biome from receiving more than a few centimeters of precipitation annually. Deep-rooted plants, like cactus and euphorb plants, are adapted to store water. Primary production is low, and soils are poor in nutrients but may have high surface salt due to evaporation. Given the low rates of primary production, primary consumers tend to be small, and include diverse lizards as well as rodents. Predators include snakes, cat species, coyotes, and birds such as owls, hawks, and eagles.