The chaparral biome is a temperate shrub land biome found in all five parts of the world with a Mediterranean, dry, coastal climate. The chaparral is primarily found in California and the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. The chaparral is also found around the world in Chile, South Africa, and Western and Southern Australia. The chaparral’s climate is defined by mild, wet winters and hot dry summers.

Plants of the Chaparral

Plants of the chaparral must survive long periods of heat, fire, and drought. Many plants of the chaparral very closely resemble plants of the desert that can also survive long periods without rain. The South African Chaparral contains many species of plants that are not located anywhere else in the world. Examples …show more content…
This plant bears long woody stems with wavy leaves and berries. Mistletoe is hemiparasitic which means it obtains some or all of its nutrients from another living plant.

Protea- also known as sugarbushes. This plant blooms and produces a vibrant pink flower.

Yucca- is a type of flowering evergreen shrub. This species is noted for its tough, spiky leaves and large clusters of white flowers. In the Midwest United States it is sometimes referred to as “ghosts of the graveyard” because they can often be found in rural graveyards and the bloom of flowers clustered at the top of the plant gives the appearance of floating apparitions.

Animals of the Chaparral

Animals of the chaparral must be adapted to surviving drought, extreme heat and fire just like the plants. Some animals live in the chaparral year round while others migrate from the chaparral to other suitable biomes.

Examples of Chaparral …show more content…
This animal is a free ranging dog relative primarily found in the Australian chaparral and some grassland biomes. Dingoes are originally believed to be semi-domesticated dogs from Asia or India, but returned to a wild lifestyle when introduced to Australia. This carnivore can eat meat in very large proportions. They hunt alone or travel in small packs.

Sistrusus Garman- or simply referred to as rattlesnake. This venomous snake will prey on small rodents and birds, biting them, and injecting them with a poisonous venom rather than constricting them. The noisemaking tail of the rattlesnake deters many predators. Large numbers of rattlesnakes are threatened due to poaching, habitat destruction and extermination campaigns.
Golden jackal- or just known as jackal, this omnivorous animal is an excellent scavenger. Their large feet and fused leg bones make them perfectly suited for long distance running. They are even capable to run at speeds of 10 miles per hour for extended periods of time. Jackals are most active at dusk and