Final answer:
Animals in a South American rain forest and plants in an African desert both belong to distinct biomes. The rainforest is characterized by high biodiversity and consistent foliage, whereas the desert has sparse vegetation adapted to aridity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Animals in a South American rain forest and plants in an African desert both belong to distinct biomes. A biome is a large community of vegetation and wildlife adapted to a specific climate. In the case of the animals in the South American rain forest, they are adapted to a humid, densely vegetated, and biodiverse environment. On the other hand, the plants in the African desert, such as the Sahara, have adaptations to survive in an environment with extreme temperatures and scarce water.
The key difference between these two biomes lies in their respective abiotic factors, such as climate and soil type, which lead to the development of very distinct communities of organisms. The tropical rainforest is known for its vertical layering of vegetation which creates a multitude of habitats for different animals. This biome, found in equatorial regions, is characterized by an abundance of rainfall, high biodiversity, and plants with broad leaves that retain their foliage year-round. In contrast, the desert biome typically has sparse vegetation, with organisms that are adapted to conserve water and withstand extreme heat and aridity.
Different biomes like rainforests and deserts are essential for maintaining global biodiversity, ecological balance, and they provide a plethora of ecosystem services. Despite their differences, each biome plays a crucial role in the Earth's environmental health.