The Gobi is bordered by the Altai and Hangayn mountains in the north, the Da Hinggan Range in the east, the Tien Shan in the west, and the Yin Qilian, Altun and Bei mountains in the south. The western regions of the Gobi are divided into the Gaxun, Junggar and Trans-Altai Gobi. The southern region is called the Alxa Plateau, and is divided into three smaller deserts: the Tengger, Badain Jaran, and Ulan Buh.
Like many deserts, the Gobi experiences extreme temperature highs during the day, followed by extreme lows at night. Seasonal temperature swings also affect the Gobi, with temperatures ranging from 122 Fahrenheit in summer to -40 Fahrenheit in winter. Precipitation in the Gobi is minimal, with rainfall averaging 7.6 inches annually, while winds are very high throughout the year. Because of the high winds, most of the desert floor is bare rock, although large parts of the Alxa Plateau are sand-covered.
The Gobi desert, despite its inhospitable living conditions, is home to animals such as jerboa, Bactrian camels, black-tailed gazelles, Asian wild ass, marbled polecats and snow leopards. Some of these species are native and unique to the Gobi, while others can be found in other regions of the world. The Gobi bear is a native species with endangered status --- as of 2011 its survival was precarious.
The sparse flora that inhabits the Gobi desert has adapted over time to the harsh conditions by shedding leaves until rainfall occurs and having long roots that can absorb water from a larger area. The saxaul tree acts as a water source for both animals and humans by collecting water behind its bark, while wild onions act as a food source.
The Gobi desert has been the location of many fossil discoveries; it's where the eggs of the first dinosaurs were first identified. The people of the Gobi desert are mainly Chinese farmers, or nomadic Mongolians who are accustomed to living among herds of animals as a means to survive. The typical dwelling in the Gobi is a yurt, which is a transportable circular type of tent that offers optimal protection from the harsh weather conditions.
