Classroom Resources  
Student Article

Ten Remarkable Desert Plants That Survive in the Harshest Places on Earth

By: Jo Caird
Originally Published in  Discover Wildlife

From the frozen terrain of Antarctica to the blazing sands of the Sahara, meet 10 incredible plant species that have evolved to survive in the world’s most extreme desert environments.

The article "Ten Remarkable Desert Plants That Survive in the Harshest Places on Earth" from BBC's Discover Wildlife is an exploration of extraordinary plant species uniquely adapted to life in deserts. Highlighting everything from the ancient date palm to the fog-harvesting tara tree and water-storing saxaul, the article showcases the ways that desert flora thrive in places with extreme heat, dryness, or even cold.
Student Article Info

BBC's Discover Wildlife brings you closer to nature with expert advice, conservation news, the best nature writing and stunning wildlife photography. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Environmental Science
Keywords
desert plantsplant adaptationssurvivalclimatesarid ecosystemsdesert biodiversity
A desert landscape with tall cacti scattered around
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 400-600L
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2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 700L-900L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 900-1000L
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