Schlerophyll Forests or Chaparral Biome Ex Chile Key

Schlerophyll Forests or Chaparral Biome (Ex: Chile)

Key Features of the Schlerophyll Forest (Chaparral) Biome This type of biome develops under a Mediterranean climate. It is distinguished by large areas of oak-shrub-grassland. This kind of biome is also found in California, Southern South Africa, Chile and West Australia.

Key Features of the Schlerophyll Forest (Chaparral) Biome In the northern hemisphere, schlerophyll forests can be made up of cork oak, live oak, white oak, olive and various pine species. These plants are adapted to receive moisture during the cooler winter months and to withstand hot, dry summers. They have long roots, thick bark, hard leathery light-coloured leaves, and medium to low heights. These adaptations help to conserve moisture. Trees in this biome naturally cover from 25 -60 % of the land with grasses and shrubs covering the remaining land.

Australian Schlerophyll Forest (Chaparral) Biome In Australian Schlerophyll forests, eucalyptus and acacia trees are common. There are both dry and wet Schlerophyll forests. Bushfires in Australian Schlerophyll forests are common and help regenerate the forests. Some plants are adapted for fire in that their seeds need heat to open or their buds are stimulated by heat.

A Chapparal Food Web

Locations of Chaparral or Schlerophyll Forests Sclerophyll forests with California-like climates are found around the Mediterranean Sea, California, Chile, South Africa and Australia. These regions are between 30 and 45 degrees latitude north and south of the equator.

Climate Favouring a Schlerophyll Forest A Mediterranean Climate is warm year round with a cooler period during the winter months when rain occurs. The average rainfall of dry summers and wetter winters ranges from 250 tp 900 mm.

Sclerophyll Soils Mediterranean Climates often give rise to Terra Rossa (red earth) soils which are high in oxidized iron compounds. Terra Rosa soils often have good drainage and are reasonably good for agriculture, especially for grapes.

Schlerophyll Animals Blacktailed Jackrabbit

Schlerophyll Animals Aardwolf

Schlerophyll Animals Wild Goat

Schlerophyll Animals San Joachin Kit Fox

Schlerophyll Animals Wild Boar

Sclerophyll Plants Olive Tree

Sclerophyll Plants Cork Oak

Sclerophyll Plants Lebanon Cedar

Sclerophyll Plants Torrey Pine

Sclerophyll Plants White Oak

Human Impact on Schlerophyll Forest Biomes Because of its favourable climate, chaparral has attracted humans settlements and resort development along coasts. Thus, many chaparral biomes have been deforested and changed into cities (Los Angeles).

Human Impact on Schlerophyll Forest Biomes Since schlerophyll forests have dry periods, they are occasionally prone to severe fires. Southern California is regularly experiencing these fires which move quickly and burn with high intensity.

Human Impact on Schlerophyll Forest Biomes When Chaparral is deforested, it becomes subject to erosion in the rainy winters which can wreck havoc.

End of Presentation A