University of Central Florida (UCF) GEO1200 Physical Geography Practice Exam

The biome that is typically found next to a dry desert is semidesert. This area, also known as a steppe, serves as a transitional zone between the arid environment of a desert and more humid environments. Semideserts receive slightly more rainfall than true deserts but still have low moisture levels, making them distinct in terms of vegetation and animal life.

The vegetation in semideserts consists of drought-resistant plants, such as grasses and shrubs, which are adapted to the sparse rainfall and can thrive in dry conditions. This biome often experiences significant temperature fluctuations, similar to deserts, but typically supports a more diverse range of life due to the increased moisture availability compared to the adjacent desert.

In contrast, tundra, temperate forests, and tropical rainforests thrive in very different climatic conditions. Tundra, found in polar regions, has cold temperatures and is characterized by permafrost, which is unsuitable for the plant life adapted next to deserts. Temperate forests require a much greater amount of moisture and experience distinct seasonal changes that are not present in semideserts. Tropical rainforests are found in warm, humid climates with heavy rainfall, which is also incompatible with the conditions typical of semideserts and deserts.