desert biome The characteristic bioticcommunity of arid regions, generally defined as areas with rainfall of less than 250 mm/yr. Typically, such areas have high evaporation rates and a large diurnal temperature range. Organisms commonly show adaptations to drought and heat (e.g. water storage in succulents such as cacti, and the frequent use among desert mammals of the burrowing habit). A high percentage of ephemeral species is characteristic of desert floras.

desert biome The characteristic biotic community of warm, arid regions, generally defined as areas with rainfall of less than 250 mm/yr. Characteristically, such areas have high evaporation rates and a large diurnal temperature range. Organisms commonly show adaptations to drought and heat, e.g. water storage in succulents such as cacti, and the frequent use among desert mammals of the burrowing habit. A high percentage of annual species is characteristic of desert flora.