Chaparral Biome Xander Koo and Kevin Li
Chaparral BiomeXander Koo and Kevin Li
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_climate.png/33466987/350x224/
Crescent_City_climate.png
https://www.fotolia.com/
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
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
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
Organism Interactions- Example Food Web
Hawk Fox
Lizard
Snake
Rodents
CactiShrubs
Insects
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
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.jpghttp://sheppeywildlife.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/b5.jpg
Predation: This rabbit is getting predated by this fox
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/button/baccharis/pilularis/pilularis1a.jpg
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
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/GW424H300.jpeg/378110286/GW424H300.jpeg