In Seemingly Lifeless Conditions Desert Crusts Life can flourish even under the harshest of desert conditions. In the Sonoran Desert, the brown and dessicated crust easily escapes notice until rain falls, after which the photosynthetic members of the community green within hours. Under harsher conditions, these organisms avoid the searing heat by growing under the surface, protected in a unique microhabitat. Cyanobacteria are normally the commonest life form of the hot deserts. Some species fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, while others bind soil particles, thus reducing erosion.
Some bacterial colonies derive energy from soil sulfur compounds.
Fungal species may parasitize the algae and cyanobacteria or unite with them to form lichens. Moss species weave the whole community together. In the sub-stone microhabitats roam protozoa, nematodes, mites, and other arthropods, creating a microcosm where grazers and predators feed on bacteria, algae, fungi, detritus, or each other. Even exposed, porous desert rocks can support life. Crustose lichens are the most conspicuous species found on hot desert surfaces.