The fascinating and often harsh desert biome is explored. The basic characteristics of deserts are discussed, as are some of the adaptations plants and animals possess in order to thrive in these extreme climates. Concepts and terminology include: biome, climate, desert locations, soil, desert pavement, adaptations, cactus, javelina, and the Sonoran, Gobi, Sahara, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts. .