3.1.2.3 Hot deserts (part a) GapFill

In Algeria,  AtacamaweeksgrowthSahara Desert, there is less than 40 mm of rain per year and temperatures are over 30°C in the daytime. As there is little rain, the air is very dry so  weeksovergroundtemperaturehumidity levels are low. Therefore, the plants must try to reduce  transpirationprecipitationsuccessevaporation. The cactus has a thick wavy stem to reduce this water  drygainlossincrease. Plants also have thin, spiny or glossy  leavesdecadesovergroundbranches to reduce transpiration. Some plants have long tap roots  overgrounddecadessuccessunderground which search for water. The seeds of desert plants can lie dormant for  monthsyearsspindecades. After a heavy shower they grow quickly. The Arizona Poppy has a life cycle which is completed within 2–3  monthsevaporationdecadesweeks. Afterwards they will lie dormant until the next  dryrainybranchesroll season . The tumble weed is a desert plant that is able to break away from its roots and then it can  stoprolldaysdry in the wind scattering its  spinleavesspinesseeds around increasing its chance of  failuresuccessovergroundAtacama.