Read the following passage:

The Sahara Desert is the largest ___(X)___ desert in the world, covering an area of over 9 million square kilometers in North Africa. It is characterized by its extremely hot temperatures, with average daytime temperatures reaching over 50 degrees Celsius, and its lack of rainfall, receiving less than 25 centimeters per year on average. Despite its ___(Y)___ conditions, the Sahara is home to a ___(Z)___ of plant and animal life, including camels, sand rats, and over 2,000 species of plants.