The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world. It covers most of North Africa, spreading across 11 countries! The Sahara is very dry and hot. During the day, temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). At night, it can get very cold.
Flora and Fauna
Even though the Sahara is a tough place to live, some plants and animals have adapted to survive there. Plants like cacti, acacia trees, and date palms grow in the Sahara. These plants store water in their leaves or trunks to survive the dry conditions.
Animals in the Sahara have special ways to live in the desert. The fennec fox has big ears that help cool its body. Camels, also known as “ships of the desert,” store fat in their humps for energy and can go a long time without water. There are also snakes, lizards, and beetles that are perfectly suited for the desert life.
A Famous Legend
One famous legend from the Sahara is about the lost city of Atlantis. According to the legend, Atlantis was a beautiful and advanced city that disappeared long ago. Some people believe that the remains of Atlantis are buried under the sands of the Sahara. Even though there is no proof that Atlantis ever existed, this story makes the Sahara even more mysterious and exciting.
Test Your Knowledge
1. What is the Sahara Desert known as?
a) The largest cold desertb) The largest hot desert
c) The smallest desertd) A rainforest
2. How many countries does the Sahara Desert cover?
a) 5b) 8
c) 11d) 15
3. What temperature can the Sahara Desert reach during the day?
a) 30 degrees Celsiusb) 40 degrees Celsius
c) 50 degrees Celsiusd) 60 degrees Celsius
4. Which plant is commonly found in the Sahara Desert?
a) Oak treeb) Pine tree
c) Cactid) Bamboo
5. What is special about the fennec fox’s ears?
a) They help it see better
b) They help it hear better
c) They help cool its body
d) They help it smell better
6. What is the famous legend associated with the Sahara Desert?
a) The city of gold
b) The lost city of Atlantis
c) The dragon’s cave
d) The haunted oasis
