The chaparral biome has a very dry climate and is found in various regions around the world including California, the Mediterranean, parts of Africa, South America, and Australia. It is characterized by shrubs, bushes, cacti and some trees adapted to the dry conditions. Animals include rabbits, snakes, foxes and birds. Human development, disrupted fire cycles, and invasive species threaten the chaparral ecosystem. Plants and animals exhibit adaptations like waxy leaves and long roots to survive in the dry environment.

1. Chaparral Biome
Xander Koo and Kevin Li

2. Conditions and Climate
Very dry climate, hot summers and mild winters
Found in mid-latitudes, in California and
Mediterranean in north and South Africa, South
America, and Australia in south, at varying
altitudes
Dry soil, often very thin and does not hold much
water, often eroded
Plants in ecosystem have natural service
function of keeping the loose soil bunched
together
https://room42.wikispaces.com/file/view/Crescent_City_climat
e.png/33466987/350x224/Crescent_City_climate.png
https://www.fotolia.com/

3. Types and Classification
Five different areas of chaparral: California,
Chile, South Africa, Australia, and the
Mediterranean
Two major types
Maritime chaparral is near the coast,
typically cool, moist conditions
Serpentine chaparral is drier and harsher,
in ridges and interior canyons

4. Plants and Animals
Plant life is diverse, characterized by
smaller brushes, bushes, cacti, and
shrubs as well as trees such as
pines and oaks
Animal life includes jackrabbits,
rattlesnakes, and kangaroos in
Australia
http://www.americanforests.org/wp-
content/uploads/2012/02/Gray-fox-kit.jpg

5. Threats
Increased human development in chaparral
areas (mild climate is very suitable for
human habitation)
Disruption to fire cycles by humans has led
to conversion to grasslands (fires too often)
or more devastating fires (fires not often
enough)
Invasive species are brought in, grazing by
farm animals reduces the numbers of an
already resource strained plant ecosystem
http://www.quoteaustininsurance.com/wildfire

6. Organism Interactions
- Example Food Web
Hawk Fox
Lizard
Snake
Rodents
CactiShrubs
Insects

7. Ecological Interactions - 1
Mutualism: Harvester Ants
protect Indian Rice Grass by
eating predators of the grass,
and getting food in the process Commensalism: The
Red-Winged Blackbird
lives in reeds, who are
not harmed but provide a
home
Parasitism: Ticks suck on
the Kit Fox’s blood for
food. The fox is at risk of
disease as a result
All images from:
http://chaparralawareness.weebly.com/relationships-
between-animals.html

8. Ecological Interactions - 2
Competition: If they were in the wild,
this lynx and this fox would be
competing for resources as top
predators in the chaparral
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqk913Gw3C1qc6j5yo1_500.jpg
http://sheppeywildlife.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/b5.jpg
Predation: This rabbit is getting predated by
this fox

9. Coyote Brush Adaptations
waxy leaves prevent moisture
escaping
oils on leaf are fire-retardant for
when wildfires occur
leaves taste bad, animals tend to
stay away
long roots, absorbs lots of moisture
http://science.halleyhosting.com/nature/plants/sun/butt
on/baccharis/pilularis/pilularis1a.jpg

10. color of its fur hides it from predators
strong claws, good for climbing trees
(i.e. escape predators)
is an omnivore, but switches to eating
more insects and birds in more arid
locations
Grey Fox Adaptations
http://wildlife.projectlte.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/07/the-grey-fox-trot-dewain-
maney.jpg

11. Endangered Species
California Condor - Native to California,
Classified as Critically Endangered, but
population rising, top predator in the
ecosystem, protected through captive
breeding and poaching ban
Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat - Native
to Australian Chaparral, Classified as
Critically Endangered, Population
stable, primary consumer, protected
with fences and captive breeding
http://northerncaliforniachaparral.weebly.com/invasiveendangered-species.html
https://biodiversitywarriors.wikispaces.com/file/view/GW424H3
00.jpeg/378110286/GW424H300.jpeg