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Paper 1

Hot Deserts

Both
Practice this
Sand dunes in a hot desert

Desert life is limited by water supply.

Key Facts

  • Water is a limiting factor for life.
  • Soils are thin and often salty.
  • Flash floods can occur after rare storms.
  • Human pressure includes overgrazing and tourism.

Topics Covered

Desert Climate

What you need to know

  • Low rainfall, high temperatures, and large daily temperature range.

Exam Tips

  • Mention unreliable rainfall and evaporation.

Adaptations

What you need to know

  • Plants store water and have waxy leaves; animals are nocturnal.

Exam Tips

  • Use two detailed adaptations.

Key Terms

Evaporation

Liquid water changes to water vapor.

Desertification

Land becomes more arid and less productive.

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Common Exam Questions

Describe two adaptations of desert plants.

4 markseasyPaper 1

Model Answer

Waxy leaves reduce water loss; deep roots access groundwater.

What examiners want to see

  • Two different adaptations with explanation.

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