Desert ecosystems are terrestrial biomes characterized by chronically low precipitation, high evapotranspiration, and large diurnal temperature fluctuations, resulting in water-limited primary productivity and sparse, highly specialized biota. Vegetation often exhibits xerophytic adaptations such as CAM or C4 photosynthesis, deep or extensive root systems, reduced leaf area, and osmotic adjustment, while fauna display behavioral and physiological strategies for water conservation and thermal regulation. Biogeochemical cycles are strongly pulsed, with episodic rainfall events driving rapid nutrient mineralization and biological activity. Desert ecosystems are structured by resource heterogeneity (e.g., “resource islands”), soil crust communities, and disturbance regimes including wind erosion and episodic flooding.
A new study shows that resilient and remarkably diverse populations of organisms can persist in the soil despite harsh and extremely dry conditions. An international team led by researchers from the University of Cologne, ...
Plants & Animals
Jan 13, 2026
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For decades, researchers have focused on the problem of overgrazing, in which expanding herds of cattle and other livestock degrade grasslands, steppes and desert plains. But a new global study reveals that in large regions ...
Ecology
Jan 12, 2026
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287
The Namib desert of south-western Africa can be extremely hot—the surface temperature can be over 50°C. But a surprising number of around 200 beetle species live on its bare, inhospitable-looking sand dunes.
Plants & Animals
Jan 7, 2026
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37
Sulfur butterflies glide across Zorrillo Canyon, hundreds of them, moving back and forth against the cerulean sky. It's nothing short of a fairy wonderland for the scientists below.
Plants & Animals
Jan 5, 2026
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23
You might think of Australia's arid center as a dry desert landscape devoid of aquatic life. But it's actually dotted with thousands of rock holes—natural rainwater reservoirs that act as little oases for tiny freshwater ...
Plants & Animals
Dec 5, 2025
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31
When NASA engineers want to test a concept for exploring the Red Planet, they have to find ways to create Mars-like conditions here on Earth. Then they test, tinker, and repeat.
Planetary Sciences
Dec 3, 2025
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29
In a new study published in New Phytologist on Nov. 23, Prof. Zeng Fanjiang's team from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has identified the key pathway driving the soil carbon ...
Ecology
Nov 28, 2025
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18
In a new study published in Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment on Nov. 5, Prof. Zeng Fanjiang's team from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has unveiled distinct soil ...
Ecology
Nov 19, 2025
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13
A new paper published in Biological Reviews has revealed the potential of desert ecosystems in the global fight against climate change. The review, led by Prof. Zeng Fanjiang from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography ...
Earth Sciences
Nov 11, 2025
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34
The Sahara Desert is one of the driest areas in the world. It gets just 3 inches of precipitation per year—one-tenth of the amount of Chicago's rain, sleet and snow.
Environment
Oct 15, 2025
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