Adaptions of a hot desert environment in Oman
Oman is a wonderous country full of fascinating geographical features, rich cultural heritage and a wealth of history.
In this module, pupils will explore two remarkable desert ecosystems: the Sharqiya Sands in Oman and the vast Rub’ al-Khali (Empty Quarter). Through these case studies, pupils will investigate core elements of desert ecosystems specifically how how plants, animals, and people adapt to survive in extreme conditions. The unit will also examine the opportunities and challenges that these fragile ecosystems present for sustainable development, including natural resource use, tourism, and renewable energy.
Within this module, you will find the following topics:
- Location and characteristics of the Sharqiya Sands
- Plant, animal and human adaptions in the Sharqiya Sands
- Opportunities and challenges of the Rab’ al Kahali in Oman
You can access the resources by clinking on the links below or by using the StoryMap below.
Links to the GCSE Specifications:
AQA
3.1.2.3 How plants and animals adapt to the physical conditions.
3.1.2.3.a Hot desert ecosystems have a range of distinctive characteristics.
3.1.2.3b Development of hot desert environments creates opportunities and challenges.
Edexcel A (first teaching 2024, first assessment 2026)
3.1 Large-scale ecosystems are found in different parts of the world and are important.
Edexcel B
7.1 The Earth is home to a number of very large ecosystems (biomes) the distribution of which is affected by climate and other factors.
9.1 Energy resources can be classified in different ways and their extraction and use has environmental
Eduqas A (WJEC)
5.3.1 Where are large scale ecosystems found?
5.4.2 How do human activities modify processes and interactions within ecosystems?
Eduqas B
3.2: Ecosystems under threat.
3.4.1 What are the physical processes operating in hot semi-arid regions that make them vulnerable to desertification?
OCR A
2.1.2. Ecosystems have distinct distributions and characteristics.
3.2.1 How are ecosystems used by people?
OCR B
4.1. Why are natural ecosystems important?
All images, unless otherwise stated, used in the resources are © Ana Maria Pavalache / Jewel of Arabia or licensed under the Pexels creative comms license.
