What type of ecosystem would you expect to find in the lower elevations of the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon's lower elevations are characterized by a desert ecosystem. This region experiences a hot, arid climate with low precipitation, typical of desert environments. The flora in this area often includes drought-resistant plants and cacti, which have adaptations to conserve water and endure high temperatures prevalent in such ecosystems.

The geographical features of the Grand Canyon, including its elevation gradients, create distinct temperature variations, which further support this desert ecosystem at lower elevations. In contrast, alpine ecosystems are found at higher elevations where temperatures are cooler and conditions are suitable for different types of vegetation, while tundra ecosystems are associated with cold climates and permafrost typically found in polar regions or high mountains. Wetland ecosystems are characterized by the presence of water and specific plant species that thrive in saturated conditions, which do not exist at lower elevations of the Grand Canyon where aridity predominates.