Deserts are arid to extremely arid ecosystems on the earth and cover about one-fifth of the global land surface. The deserts cover large barren and abandoned lands dominated mostly by hills of sand, though they are also consisting of rocks and mountains. Such areas are characterised by <250 mm of rainfall annually with extremes of temperatures. Except Europe, almost every continent of the earth has deserts, which are situated near 23.4° N (the Tropic of Cancer) and 23.4° S (the Tropic of Capricorn) latitudes. Subtropical, cool coastal, rain shadow and cold winter are climatically delineated deserts, whereas trade wind, mid-latitude, rain shadow, coastal, monsoon, polar and montane are geographically demarcated deserts. Such wide differences in latitudinal, altitudinal, climatic, geomorphological and biological features of the deserts lead a diverse habitats and biological diversity and sustain peoples’ livelihoods in the region. Circadian and seasonal extremities, intense solar radiation, low water availability, high salinity and wind and dust storms jointly affect the life in desert. While negative biotic interactions play a role in shaping the desert ecology, remarkable ways of adaptations allow life to sustain in these deserts. The deserts have a significant role in shaping animals’ and humans’ lives, and the surrounding environment and promote the formation and concentration of some of the essential minerals, and provide chemical-based adapting bioresources (animal and plant life) as a source of bioprospecting. These deserts are ideal places of living and for preserving human relics and remains as well. The desert sands also act as an important carbon sink on the earth. A range of diversity in habitats and isolated populations results in higher within-species diversity and is positively related to various functions of the region. However, the growing human population and corresponding anthropogenic activities coupled with climatic adversities are resulting in habitat degradation and productivity loss. Excessive removal of vegetation for fodder and fuelwood, altered land use, increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and global warming are leading factors to habitat loss and land degradation. Human-induced destruction of the environment results in biodiversity loss leading to a decline in ecosystem functions including water supply, soil functioning and climate change resilience. This chapter further describes the existing threats to the desert ecosystem, research and experimentations, developmental programmes and the way forward to restore and conserve the desert ecosystem and its biological treasures.

Desert Ecology and Functional Aspects of Desert Ecosystems

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发表日期：

2025年

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G. Singh,
Sachin Sharma

摘要

Deserts are arid to extremely arid ecosystems on the earth and cover about one-fifth of the global land surface. The deserts cover large barren and abandoned lands dominated mostly by hills of sand, though they are also consisting of rocks and mountains. Such areas are characterised by <250 mm of rainfall annually with extremes of temperatures. Except Europe, almost every continent of the earth has deserts, which are situated near 23.4° N (the Tropic of Cancer) and 23.4° S (the Tropic of Capricorn) latitudes. Subtropical, cool coastal, rain shadow and cold winter are climatically delineated deserts, whereas trade wind, mid-latitude, rain shadow, coastal, monsoon, polar and montane are geographically demarcated deserts. Such wide differences in latitudinal, altitudinal, climatic, geomorphological and biological features of the deserts lead a diverse habitats and biological diversity and sustain peoples’ livelihoods in the region. Circadian and seasonal extremities, intense solar radiation, low water availability, high salinity and wind and dust storms jointly affect the life in desert. While negative biotic interactions play a role in shaping the desert ecology, remarkable ways of adaptations allow life to sustain in these deserts. The deserts have a significant role in shaping animals’ and humans’ lives, and the surrounding environment and promote the formation and concentration of some of the essential minerals, and provide chemical-based adapting bioresources (animal and plant life) as a source of bioprospecting. These deserts are ideal places of living and for preserving human relics and remains as well. The desert sands also act as an important carbon sink on the earth. A range of diversity in habitats and isolated populations results in higher within-species diversity and is positively related to various functions of the region. However, the growing human population and corresponding anthropogenic activities coupled with climatic adversities are resulting in habitat degradation and productivity loss. Excessive removal of vegetation for fodder and fuelwood, altered land use, increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and global warming are leading factors to habitat loss and land degradation. Human-induced destruction of the environment results in biodiversity loss leading to a decline in ecosystem functions including water supply, soil functioning and climate change resilience. This chapter further describes the existing threats to the desert ecosystem, research and experimentations, developmental programmes and the way forward to restore and conserve the desert ecosystem and its biological treasures.