Joshua trees are desert plants and they are most commonly found in the Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States.

Although the desert lacks abundant water, the plants in Joshua Tree National Park have adapted to survive by hoarding water for long periods of time and producing seeds quickly during periods of rainfall. Cacti store water so well that dehydrated animals target their reserves whenever possible.

Like most desert dwellers, Joshua trees have developed a suite of adaptations to survive in the desert. Because there is no groundwater to draw on, the succulent (not technically a tree) lacks the deep taproot of plants that grow in wetter climes. But when it rains in the desert, it pours.

The leaves and stems of many desert plants have a thick, waxy covering. This waxy substance does not cover the stomata, but it covers most of the leaves, keeping the plants cooler and reducing evaporative loss. Small leaves on desert plants also help reduce moisture loss during transpiration.

Though most root structures grow down and out in search of water, Joshua trees also produce a very shallow root that grows laterally from one to six inches beneath the soil.

While out and about at night, fennec foxes feast on smaller desert animals, such as beetles and lizards.

• Dung Beetles. There are several species of dung beetles, but most of them live in the deserts of Australia and Africa.
• Bactrian Camels.
• Mexican Coyotes.
• Thorny Devil Lizard.

1. Barrel Cactus. Barrel cactus is the most common plant found in the deserts across the world.

Foxes, spiders, antelopes, elephants and lions are common desert species. Now for the cool animals; the Addax antelope found in the Sahara Desert is one of the most beautiful antelopes in the world. Unfortunately, people all over the world want its beautiful horns and so they are endangered.

Animals that live in deserts include lizards, geckos, toads, jackrabbits, camels, snakes, spiders and meerkats.