Starter quiz
- Hot deserts are found near the...
- north and south poles
- tropics of Cancer and Capricorn ✓
- Pacific and Atlantic Ocean
-
- There is very little ______ in hot deserts because of the harsh climate. Few species are specialised enough to survive there.
- 'biodiversity' ✓
- What is desertification?
- the process of turning deserts into fertile land
- the spread of desert-like conditions in areas that were previously fertile ✓
- the loss of forest areas
-
- ______ is the long-term alteration of weather patterns around the world.
- 'Climate change' ✓
- An ecosystem is a natural environment and includes the flora (plants) and fauna (animals) that live within that environment. The living components of an ecosystem are the __________ components.
- biotic ✓
- abiotic
- biome
-
- What is deforestation?
- the process by which land becomes desert
- the action of clearing a wide area of trees ✓
- the long-term alteration of weather patterns
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Exit quiz
- Match the keywords for this lesson with their definitions.
- desertification⇔the process by which land becomes desert ✓
- drought⇔a long period of time with little or no rainfall and water shortage ✓
- deforestation⇔the action of clearing a wide area of trees ✓
- mitigation⇔the action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something ✓
- Desertification is a widespread environmental threat affecting ______ and communities across the globe.
- 'biodiversity' ✓
- Order the process of desertification.
- 1⇔Vegetation cover decreases.
- 2⇔Soil is more vulnerable to erosion.
- 3⇔Soil loses nutrients and the ability to support plant growth and plant litter.
- 4⇔Less plant litter means fewer nutrients return to the soil.
- 5⇔Plant regrowth is hindered, leading to desertification.
- How can desertification be mitigated?
- Rainwater harvesting⇔collects and stores the limited rainwater for people to use ✓
- Terracing⇔creates stepped fields to slow water movement ✓
- Drip irrigation⇔drips water directly onto the roots of vegetation ✓
- Afforestation⇔plants trees to stabilise the soil and reduce erosion ✓
- Crop rotation⇔moves crops and livestock to allow soil recovery ✓
Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Desertification is a serious threat in hot desert environments.
- There are several causes of desertification including climate change, population growth and removal of fuelwood.
- There are several strategies used to reduce the risk of desertification including soil management and tree planting.
Common misconception
Desertification only occurs in existing deserts.
Desertification can occur in any fertile land that becomes increasingly arid, not just in deserts.
Keywords
Desertification - the process by which land becomes desert due to climate change, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture
Drought - a long period of time with little or no rainfall, leading to a shortage of water
Deforestation - the action of clearing a wide area of trees
Mitigation - the action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something
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