(Redirected from Xeric)
In isolation, Hawai'i's
Silverswords have adapted to xeric microclimates within volcanic craters, trapping and channeling dew and protecting leaves with reflective hairs.
'
Deserts and xeric shrublands' is a
biome characterized by a dry climate. Deserts and xeric shrublands receive an annual average rainfall of ten inches or less, and have an
arid or hyperarid climate, characterized by a strong moisture deficit, where annual potential loss of moisture from
evapotranspiration well exceeds the moisture received as rainfall. Deserts and xeric shrublands occur in
tropical,
subtropical, and
temperate climate regions.
Desert
soils tend to be sandy or rocky, and low in organic materials.
Saline or
alkaline soils are common.
Plants and
animals in deserts and xeric shrublands are adapted to low moisture conditions. Hyperarid regions are mostly devoid of vegetation and animal life, and include rocky deserts and
sand dunes. Vegetation in arid climate regions can include sparse
grasslands,
shrublands, and
woodlands. Plants adapted to arid climates are called
xerophytes, and include
succulent plants,
geophytes,
sclerophyll, and
annual plants. Animals, including
insects,
reptiles,
arachnids,
birds and
mammals, are frequently
nocturnal to avoid moisture loss.
See also
★
Desert
★
Shrub-steppe
★
Temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands
★
Sagebrush steppe
Desert and xeric shrublands ecoregions
External links
★
Deserts and xeric shrublands (World Wildlife Fund)
★
Map of the ecozones
★
Index to Deserts & Xeric Shrublands at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu
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