What type of vegetation is typically found in deserts?

Deserts are characterized by extreme aridity, which significantly influences the type of vegetation that can thrive in such conditions. Sparse vegetation is typical in deserts because the limited availability of water restricts plant growth. The plants that do manage to survive in these environments have adapted to conserve water, such as cacti and other succulents that can store moisture, as well as shrubs and small hardy plants that are spaced far apart to reduce competition for available water resources.

In contrast, dense forests and broadleaf trees, which require more consistent moisture levels and nutrients found in more temperate climates, are not suited for desert conditions. Similarly, wetland plants thrive in areas with ample water supply, making them incompatible with the dry and extreme conditions of deserts. Thus, the correct answer highlights the unique adaptations and sparse distribution of vegetation that allow certain plant species to survive in desert ecosystems.