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"California" Chaparral Biome.
The term chaparral refers to shrublands of California and adjacent Northwestern America. Chaparral is not a global biome that covers all Mediterranean shrublands, but the imposed area listed above. Chaparral biomes can also be identified by their hot summers and wet winters. Key characteristics include: woody shrubs, small trees, and grasses.
Greater Roadrunner
Geococcyx californianus.
Can outpace huamns and kill rattlesnakes. Special salt glands near their eyes excrete excess salt for water retention.
Ceanothus Silkmoth
Hyalophora euryalus.
Their beautiful appearance also applies as camoflauge (Crypsis) for the various foliage in the Caparral Biome.
Blainville's Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma blainvilli.
Known for squirting blood and excellent camoflauge, they can also inflate their body making their already spiny body tough to swallow.
Red Diamond Rattlesnake
Crotalus ruber.
Uses camoflauge to not only hide from predators but to prey on small mammals. Heat sensing organs allow for hunting even in low-light levels.
Human Impact on Chaparral Biome.
Human Impact on Chaparral Biome.
Urban development, agriculture, and human-caused fires can negatively impact the biome in the form of habitat loss or altered fire cycle. This in turn can lead to smaller issues such as soil erosion, increased drought stress, which in the long run decreases biodiversity of the biome.
Types of Plants
Shrubs: Manzanita, chamise, toyon, scrub oak, ceanothus, and sagebrush
Trees: Olive trees, eucalyptus trees, and yucca trees
Other species: California buckwheat, California sagebrush, and sticky monkey flowerÂ
Solution(s)?
Implementation of conservation efforts in the form of:
Protection of existing areas in the form of preventing further development of the biome.
Managing possible fire hazards reduces the risk of fire and, in turn, does not change the fire cycle.
Restoration via replanting of native species and controlling invasive plants can help curb the effects prior to restoration.
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