Grasses play an important role in the health of the desert ecosystem, according to the Oxfam's Cool Planet website. Grasses are found all over the world and adapt to most climates. These plants are known for having an extensive root system, which may help keep the sandy soils of the desert together. When weather becomes too hot and dry, the stems and blades of grasses may die off but the root systems remain alive and will sprout again.
Succulents are another common types of plant found in the Sahara, according to the Oxfam's Cool Planet website. The most well-known type of succulent plant is the cactus, which is well adapted to life in the desert. These plants suck lots of water through their root systems and store it for use when water is unavailable.
The Addax antelope is an animal commonly found in the Sahara desert, according to the Arlington School District's website. This member of the antelope family somewhat resembles a clumsy horses and are usually tan in color with darker brown hair on their heads. All Addax have thin, spiraled horns regardless of their gender. These antelope also have wide hooves for walking on soft sand. Perhaps the most interesting fact about the Addax antelope is that the animals never drink. Instead they eat a diet rich in succulents, which provide them with all the moisture needed to survive.
The camel is one of the most well known desert dwelling creatures. Camels began being tamed and traded more than a thousand years ago. Camels are well adapted for travel and life in the Sahara and many nomadic tribes use them to travel throughout the desert. Unlike popular belief, camels do not store water in their humps, according to the Arlington School District's website. The animals store fat in the hump and feed off of it when no food is available. Additionally, camels have adapted to life in the desert because they have a body temperature cooler than the air around them. Camels huddle together to stay cool in the heat of the Sahara.
