SciDev.Net
Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
Definitions
List of terms for Desert science
Producing enough food for a rapidly growing population, and taking care of our planet are two of the world's biggest challenges.
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Pastoralism/pastoral farming
A type of production based on herding domesticated animals. The areas of vegetation used by pastoral farmers are often called rangelands.
Plant life
Plants in deserts and drylands are equipped to grow in salty soils and long periods of water scarcity. As a result, many tend to grow, flower and produce seeds very quickly, for example when rains have ended. Roots can be very deep enabling plants to tap into underground moisture. Leaves can be small and tough to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Protected areas
An area of land or sea dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity. By the end of 2003 there were some 30,000 protected areas covering around 12 per cent of the Earth's surface. Protected areas can be important to local communities and economies, especially indigenous people, who often depend on them for a sustainable supply of resources. Protected areas are not the same as hotspots.
