Some deserts are so inhospitable that life as we know it cannot survive in them at all. In terms of rainfall, areas that receive less than ten inches of rain a year are considered to be deserts. Some deserts receive only three or four inches of rain a year. A few places do not receive any rain at all. When we think about deserts, we think about limiting factors .
Some plants can survive for many years as seeds.
Insects and unicellular life forms can also wait out drought. Sooner or later, however, liquid water is necessary. Survival is essential, but it is not all of life. Without growth and reproduction, life is on hold, not progressing. Salinity can also interfere with an organism's use of water.