Mojave Desert Biome
Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a biotic community together with its physical environment, considered as an integrated unit. Implied
within this definition is the concept of a structural and functional whole unified through life processes. An ecosystem
may be characterized as a viable unit of community and interactive habitat. Ecosystems are hierarchical and can be
viewed as nested sets of open systems in which physical, chemical, and biological processes form interactive
subsystems. Some ecosystems are microscopic and the largest comprises the biosphere. Ecosystem restoration can be
directed at different-sized ecosystems within the nested set, and many encompass multiple states, more localized
watersheds, or a smaller complex of aquatic habitat.
Put another way, each organism (including humans) is affected by and interacts with its environment. That
environment is formed from a combination of interactive non-living and living elements. The non-living elements
include: energy, water, air, substrate, and chemical constituents such as nutrients. The living elements include
plants, vertebrate animals, invertebrates, and microorganisms. When we consider both forms of elements and their
interactions as a single entity, we have an ecosystem at some level of organization.¹
California's Natural Diversity
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Its varied topography and climate have given rise to a remarkable diversity of habitats and a correspondingly diverse array
of both plant and animal species. California has more ...
Life at the Extremes
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The Mojave Desert, the driest and smallest of the North American deserts, occupies only ...
Desert Water Sources
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Spring, creeks, rivers, lakes, marshes & waterholes.
Ecosubsections
An area or region of land designated for study purposes that has distinct characteristics setting it apart from others. In the Mojave, two general ecosections, separated by geomorphic boundaries, are further classified into ecosubsections.Desert Ecosystems
A closer look at similar, but very different desert ecosystems in two of our desert national parksJoshua Tree National Park Ecosystems
Deserts host plants and animals living in what strikes many humans as oppressive environments. Solar energy that green plants convert into food
fuels life here. Although in most ecosystems plants compete for sunlight, here most plants are adapted to minimize the effects of too much solar
energy.
Death Valley National Park Ecosystems
An ecosystem is how it all works together. The geology of region provide for the plants, which provide for the animals that eat the plants and animals that eat ...
Habitats
Habitats are environments that are inhabited by a specific plant species or animal.Flora & Fauna
Specific plant and animal species, and communities within, and around desert ecosystems.
Biome
A major biotic community characterized by the dominant forms of plant life and the prevailing climate.
(Princeton Word Net)
Ecology
The study of the natural interaction of organisms to one another within their environment.
