) It might not be well known, but there is a desert in North America. It spans along the western side of the continent, from southern Oregon to northern Mexico. It is mostly contained in the arid area between the Rocky Mountains to the east and the fertile coast of the Pacific Ocean to the west. Researchers estimate that the desert is between 500,000 and 730,000 square miles.

Differences of latitude, elevation, climate, topography, vegetation, soil, and human use have divided the desert into a cold region and a hot region. The cold region of the desert is known as the Great Basin Desert. This area covers almost all of Nevada, western Utah, and sections of the neighboring states. South of this basin is the Mojave Desert, which is the hot region of the North American Desert. This area covers much of California, southern Nevada, and some of Mexico.

As a desert, the area is arid because of high evaporation, extreme temperatures, high winds, localized storms, and sun-beaten land. Life in the desert is a struggle for humans. People do live in this desert, but the pockets of people are dispersed and isolated. Native Americans and European settlers have added to the population of the region. Despite the harsh conditions, a surprising number of plants, animals, and reptiles make the desert their home. In fact, some species can only be found in the desert.

Which information best supports the idea that the desert is a difficult place to live?

A) There are differences of latitude, soil, and climate among the deserts.
B) The desert has pockets of people that are dispersed and isolated.
C) There are extreme temperatures, high winds, and localized storms.
D) The desert has a surprising number of plants, animals, and reptiles.