The dominant plant type in a desert ecosystem is typically succulents, particularly cacti in North America and agave in others. These plants have adapted to extreme conditions with strategies such as water storage in their fleshy tissues, reduced leaf surfaces to minimize water loss, and deep root systems to access underground moisture. Other drought-resistant plants, like shrubs and some types of grasses, also thrive in deserts, but succulents are most emblematic of these arid environments. Their unique adaptations not only help them survive but also provide essential habitat and resources for various desert animals.