What is the Difference Between Tundra and Desert?

The main difference between tundra and desert lies in their temperature and precipitation. Here are the key differences between the two biomes:

• Temperature: Tundras are extremely cold, with many areas remaining frozen all year, and average temperatures around -25 degrees Celsius. In contrast, deserts are characterized by high temperatures, often reaching extreme levels of over 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Precipitation: Both tundra and desert receive very little rainfall annually, making them difficult for living creatures to survive. However, tundras generally have more precipitation than deserts.
• Vegetation: The vegetation in tundras mainly comprises grasses, mosses, and lichens with broad and shallow roots, adapted to harsh weather and lack of soil. Deserts have less vegetation, and the plants that do grow there often store water in their stems to adapt to the arid conditions. Common desert plants include cactus, acacia, date palm, and grasses.
• Location: Tundras are mainly found in the poles of the Earth, such as the North of the Arctic Circle and the Arctic peninsula in the southern hemisphere. Deserts, on the other hand, are found near the equator of the Earth.
• Fauna: Deserts have more diversity of flora and fauna compared to tundras. Tundras are home to animals like deer, caribou, mice, wolves, and weasels, while deserts are full of reptiles.

Comparative Table: Tundra vs Desert

Here is a table comparing the differences between tundra and desert biomes:

Tundra and desert biomes both experience low precipitation, which leads to a low diversity of flora and fauna. However, they differ significantly in terms of temperature, location, and the types of vegetation and animals that can survive in these harsh environments.