Biology of Arid Region Soils-Faunal Components

This chapter concerns the faunal component of arid soils. The two main groups, the vertebrates and invertebrates, exert a separate ecological impact on arid regions. In arid regions, biological activity is telescoped downward into the subterranean part of the biosphere. This effect is marked when we consider the vertebrates, most of which are adapted to burrowing. The invertebrate fauna also has a considerable effect on arid regions. Both vertebrates and invertebrates may function as primary decomposers and as the distributors of organic mineral.