Animal life has adapted to survive in the most unlikely and inhospitable habitats. This unit looks at the surprisingly diverse desert climates throughout the world and mammals, birds, lizards and amphibians that survive there. It splits these animals into three groups according to their strategy for survival: evaders, evaporators and endurers, then discusses how these strategies work on a biochemical and physiological level.

is a comprehensive program designed to enhance high school science, math and technology studies by involving students in monitoring natural resources in Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. It offers a resource-based curriculum, science projects, an online manual for teachers, and an evaluation.

Cacti have few leaves and waxy skin to reduce water loss, shallow root systems, and the ability to store water. The cholla cactus has thousands of spines for shade and to keep predators from eating it.

Learn about cloud formations over the Sierra Nevada Mountains in this video from Nature.

Desert snakes hunt at night time to avoid unneeded water loss during the day. They are sensitive to ground vibrations and heat which enables them to locate warm animals in the dark.

Deserts are characterized by low humidity, little rainfall, extreme temperatures, and a small amount of vegetation. However, deserts are not "dead zones" and host a variety of organisms adapted to these conditions.

Students explore the biosphere and its associated environments and ecosystems in the context of creating a model ecosystem, learning along the way about the animals and resources. Students investigate different types of ecosystems, learn new vocabulary, and consider why a solid understanding of one's environment and the interdependence of an ecosystem can inform the choices we make and the way we engineer our communities. This lesson is part of a series of six lessons in which students use their growing understanding of various environments and the engineering design process, to design and create their own model biodome ecosystems.

Desert bighorn sheep use a lot of energy to regulate their internal temperature in the desert. During the summer the sheep eat plants and drink water every few days. In the winter, desert plants contain enough water for sheep survival.

The barrel cactus stores water but it contains toxic chemicals and is not a desirable food source for desert animals. However, the fruit may be eaten and is a great source of water.

Many small mammals live in the desert and rely on cacti and their fruit for water and nutrients. Many small mammals hibernate in winter, but not the Harris antelope ground squirrel.

Loose sand soil lacks moisture but contains adequate moisture and nutrients for drought tolerant plants. Loose sand soil is insufficient for animals to find or make shelter. Organisms find shade and shelter under the large shrubs.

Any habitat is a collection of many microhabitats. Each microhabitat has a distinct set of resources for organisms and a unique physical structure. Consider the many microhabitats within the Mojave desert in California.

Intense summer temperatures are beginning to cool down by November, but most vegetation has gone dormant due to the extreme heat and low levels of rainfall.

Winter rains have watered the desert by April and vegetation is green and healthy. Rainfall will decline considerably after April.

An intense, dry summer from May through August has left the vegetation sun scorched and they no longer retain their healthy, green appearance. These shrubs are adapted to the desert and will go dormant after one season.

By winter in non-drought years, the Mojave has received several inches of rain and healthy vegetation will begin to break ground by February. However, during drought years, vegetation will not experience its rapid growth season until spring.

The beetle's outer covering helps it survive in the harsh desert environment. These beetles also give off an unpleasant smell to deter predators. Beetles and other insects are eaten in the desert for their water and nutrient content.

The prickly pear cactus is a desirable meal for many desert organisms because of its water storing capability. Cacti have no leaves which reduces water loss. However, it has many spines and thorns for shade and to keep predators from eating it.

Compact sand is good for organisms to make shelter holes and dens. The large rocks provide shade and shelter for small desert organisms.