Solutions For 9780131905429 Chapter 4 Problem 20A

Desert is the dry area characterized by the annual precipitation of less than 25. Due to this less precipitation, there is extreme scarcity of water. Such extreme conditions are often unsupportive for the proliferation of many species. Desert soil is often rich in minerals but is poor in organic matter. This results in proliferation of fewer plant species.

Water is very limited in desert. Plants have deep underground roots to absorb the available water. Most of the desert plants are far from each other. This helps them to avoid competition for the available nutrients including water. Thus, lesser the competition, more are the chances of survival of the available plants.