Deserts:
* Low precipitation: Receive less than 10 inches (25 cm) of rain annually.
* Sparse vegetation: Only adapted plants like cacti, succulents, and shrubs can survive in the dry conditions.
* High temperatures: Deserts are known for their extreme heat during the day and cool temperatures at night.
Steppes:
* Moderate precipitation: Receive more rain than deserts, typically between 10 and 20 inches (25-50 cm) per year.
* Grassland vegetation: Dominated by grasses, with few trees.
* Temperature variation: Experience wide temperature fluctuations between seasons.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Desert | Steppe |
|---|---|---|
| Precipitation | Less than 10 inches (25 cm) per year | 10-20 inches (25-50 cm) per year |
| Vegetation | Sparse, adapted to drought | Grasses, few trees |
| Temperature | Extreme heat during the day, cool at night | Wide temperature fluctuations between seasons |
In essence:
* Deserts are extremely dry and have very limited vegetation, while steppes are drier than most grasslands but still support a greater variety of grasses.
Example:
* The Sahara Desert is a classic example of a desert with extremely low rainfall and sparse vegetation.
* The Great Plains of North America are an example of a steppe region with moderate rainfall and a vast grassland ecosystem.