Plants that can survive in desert conditions are called xerophytes.
Many of the trees in deserts are drought and fire resistant, such as the acacia tree.
Cacti can store water in their tissues. Their waxy skin prevents transpiration and their spikes protect them.
Lichen survive by breaking down rocks using their own acids. They do not need soil to survive.
Desert flowers have seeds that can lay dormant for years and only germinate when there is significant rainfall. Their bright colours invite insects and they have short life cycles.

The lack of water means that few animals survive in the desert. Areas with more water have greater biodiversity as plants can act as the basis of larger food webs.
Desert foxes have light-coloured fur to reflect light and fur on their paws to protect their feet from heat.
Kangaroo rats do not perspire and retrieve all of their water from food.
Camels can store large amounts of water in their humps.