the living elements of an ecosystem (e.g. plants, animals)

the non-living elements of an ecosystem (e.g. water, nutrients)

the connections between different components of the environment, where each component depends on or influences the others

the transfer of water to the atmosphere through evaporation from surfaces and transpiration from plants

The interdependence of biotic and abiotic components in hot deserts

Geography

Location and physical characteristics of hot deserts

Plant and animal adaptations, issues relating to biodiversity

Development opportunities and challenges in the Kalahari Desert

Desertification – causes and strategies

This unit teaches pupils about the location, characterisitics, opprtunities and challenges associated with one global environment, either hot deserts or cold environments. Pupils will also learn about plant and animal adaptation and about issues facing their chosen environment.

Hot desert and cold environments

{{}} means the living elements of an ecosystem (e.g. plants, animals).

{{}} means the non-living elements of an ecosystem (e.g. water, nutrients).

litter (from leaves and decomposing matter)

Understanding the {{}} between biotic and abiotic components in hot deserts helps us understand their physical processes and how human pressures can affect them.

Which of these could effect evapotranspiration in hot deserts?

Hot deserts are found near the tropics of ...

{{}} is the average weather conditions of a place taken over a long period of time, typically 30 years.

__________ is a measure of the variety of living organisms within a particular habitat, ecosystem, biome, or all over Earth.

geographical zone of specific climate, vegetation and animals

interactions between organisms living in a particular environment

where a specific species or population of organisms lives

Put these biomes in the most likely order; starting at the Equator and moving north or south.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a hot desert?

The interdependence of biotic and abiotic components in hot deserts

Lesson outcome