Deserts and Xeric Shrublands

Deserts and Xeric Shrublands is a biome in which the climate is very dry, either hot or cold

It is characterized by

• water : almost none
• temperature : hot or cold
• soil : very limited
• plants : very sparse (succulents)
• animal : very sparse (insect, reptiles, arachnids, nocturnal birds)

Colorado's San Luis Valley is a typical cold xeric shrubland located in the temperate zone at high elevation although it does deviate from the general description in being densely populated with small animals and their pedators.

See also desert -- List of Deserts and Xeric Shrublands ecoregions

External link

• more on this biome