Difference Between Tundra and Desert Biome

The key difference between the tundra and desert biomes is the difference of their respective landscapes and climates. The tundra is characterized by snow-covered lands and extreme cold, while the desert consists of sandy lands and experiences extreme dryness and heat.

Tundra vs. Desert

Here are the main differences between the tundra and desert ecosystems:

Aspect	Tundra Ecosystem	Desert Ecosystem
Location	Found in high latitudes near the Arctic	Found in arid regions across different continents
Temperature	Extremely cold with long winters and short summers	Extreme temperature variations, with scorching days
Precipitation	Low rainfall and snowfall	Very low rainfall with minimal or no snow
Vegetation	Dominated by low shrubs, lichens, and mosses	Sparse vegetation with cacti, succulents, and drought-resistant plants
Soil	Permafrost (permanently frozen ground)	Arid soil with low organic matter and high mineral content
Water Availability	Abundance of lakes, ponds, and wetlands	Limited water sources, often underground or in oases
Adaptations	Animals have thick fur, hibernation, and migration	Animals have specialized features for heat tolerance and water conservation
Biodiversity	Supports a diverse range of bird and mammal species	Supports unique desert-adapted flora and fauna
Human Impact	Threats include climate change, oil drilling, and mining activities	Threats include desertification, habitat destruction, and water scarcity

Also Learn about

• Taiga Biome
• Chaparral Biome
• Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome
• Savanna Biome