One of the most important characteristics of any biome is its plant life. Not only do plants provide food and shelter for animals, they recycle gases in the atmosphere and add beauty and color to the landscape. Deserts support many types of plants, although not in large numbers.

Algae, Fungi, and Lichens

Although it is generally agreed that algae (AL-jee), fungi (FUHN-jee), and lichens (LY-kens) do not fit neatly into either the plant or animal categories. In this chapter, however, these special organisms will be discussed as if they, too, were plants.

Algae Most algae are single-celled organisms; a few are multicellular. Certain types of algae make their own food by means of photosynthesis, while others absorb nutrients from their surroundings. (Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use the energy from sunlight to change water and the air's carbon dioxide into the sugars and starches...