Endangered Species: The Prairie Dog
One endangered species that lives in the desert is the prairie dog. Prairie dogs live in underground burrows, extensive warrens of tunnels and chambers marked by many mounds of packed earth at their surface entrances. Its scientific name is Genus Cynomys. The estimated population of prairie dogs is 400 million. The Prairie Dog is endangered because humans plow their homes and they cant get enough food and water to survive.
Keystone Species: Banded Gila Monster
Genus: Heloderma
Species: suspectum cinetum
Species: suspectum cinetum
The Banded Gila Monster is very shy but can strike back very quickly, with painful results. They are pink, orange and red. Four or five black bands with spots in them run around the body. The tail is also banded. Their heads are spotted with black around their eyes and mouth. Their patterns are really amazing because their colors send out a warning to any predators that they are venomous.
Predator-Prey Relationships
A predator-prey relationship is an animal who hunts a smaller animal that makes a trend.
Examples: 1. Quail hunts insects
2. Mountain lion hunts mule deer
3. Hawk hunts quail.
Examples: 1. Quail hunts insects
2. Mountain lion hunts mule deer
3. Hawk hunts quail.
Role of Predation
The low precipitation and high temperatures cause the small amount of plants that grow in the desert to die quickly and get eaten by small spiders and other insects. The insects are then eaten by larger insects or reptiles. This type of change is ecto-therm which is energetically efficient and can support mammals and birds.
Consumers
Some examples of consumers that live in the desert biome are Armadillo Lizard, Bobcat, Thorny Devil, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Cactus Wren, Javelina, Sonoran Desert Toad, Banded Gila Monster, Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl.
Producers
Some examples of producers are Prickly Pear, Joshua Tree, Palo Verde, Agave,
Cholla, Yucca, Hedge Hog, Fish Hook, Staghorn, and Beaver Tail.
Cholla, Yucca, Hedge Hog, Fish Hook, Staghorn, and Beaver Tail.