Natural ecosystems of Central Asia and Uzbekistan
More than half of Uzbekistan’s territory is desert and semi-desert (Kyzylkum, Ustyurt, the plains of Karakalpakstan): precipitation is 100–200 mm a year, mostly in winter and spring, summer temperature exceeds +40 °C; the limiting factor is moisture. By soil, sandy desert has saxaul and Calligonum shrubs; saline desert has salt-tolerant plants (Halocnemum); gypsum desert has wormwood; animals include goitered gazelle, gerbil, jerboa, monitor lizard and snakes (mostly nocturnal). Tugai are moist tree-and-shrub communities on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya banks (Turanga poplar, willow, oleaster, reed): they hold banks, soften the air and shelter wildlife; they have shrunk as river flow declined. The foothills (adyr, about 500–1200 m): fertile soil, spring ephemerals and ephemeroids (tulip, poppy), rain-fed farming. Mountain forests (about 1200–2800 m): walnut, apple, juniper, dog rose, bear, lynx, ibex; above them alpine pastures – low grasses, cushion plants, snow leopard, argali. These belts form altitudinal zonation. Human impact: overgrazing, logging, excessive water withdrawal (Aral), soil salinisation; protection comes from reserves and national parks (Zaamin, Chatkal, Nurata) and the Red Data Book.
List 5 plants and 5 animals of your school’s zone (plain, foothills, mountains) and write their adaptations. In nature do not approach or touch snakes, scorpions, spiders or unfamiliar plants; go on trips with adults.