Desert

Deserts are environments with low rainfall, covering a third of Earth's surface. They can be hot or cold, with Antarctica being the largest cold desert and the Sahara the largest hot desert. Desertification is causing some areas to become deserts. Rain is rare but can be heavy, and irrigation is used to support life. Unique plants and animals have adapted to survive in these harsh conditions, with cacti storing water and animals like snakes and lizards thriving in hot deserts, while seals and penguins live in cold deserts near the ocean.

Which of the following statements is true about cold deserts?

• They receive more than 20 inches of rain annually.

• They are covered with snow and ice.

• They are always located near the equator.

• They are the hottest places on Earth.

What is the process called when non-desert areas become deserts?

• Irrigation

• Desertification

• Deforestation

• Erosion

How long did the Atacama Desert go without rain?

• 401 years

• 10 years

• 100 years

• 50 years

What adaptation helps cacti survive in hot deserts?

• They produce large flowers.

• They grow tall to reach sunlight.

• They have a waxy outer coating.

• They have deep roots.

Which animals are commonly found in cold deserts like Antarctica?

• Elephants and lions

• Lizards and snakes

• Seals and penguins

• Camels and scorpions