Dryland Diversity
Human and natural interactions in the Earth's vast drylands have global-scale influence. Dryland ecosystems play a major role in global biophysical processes by reflecting and absorbing solar radiation, maintaining a balance of atmospheric constituents, and sustaining biomass and biodiversity. The Earth's drylands have also been the stage for dramatic events in human development. Homo sapiens is believed to have evolved in the drylands of Africa.
The Global Extent
Diversity in Ecosystems
Biodiversity
