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Chaparral

Chaparral. By Linda Tucker. Geography. Found on every continent except Antarctica Found between 30° and 40° latitude in both southern and northern hemispheres In northern hemisphere, found to the north of deserts In southern hemisphere, found to the south of deserts. Distribution. Climate.

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Chaparral

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  1. Chaparral By Linda Tucker

  2. Geography • Found on every continent except Antarctica • Found between 30° and 40° latitude in both southern and northern hemispheres • In northern hemisphere, found to the north of deserts • In southern hemisphere, found to the south of deserts

  3. Distribution

  4. Climate • Cool and moist fall, winter, and spring • Hot and dry summer • Temperature ranges from 30° to 100° F • Gets 10-17 inches of rain per year

  5. Fire Cycle • Fires are frequent due to hot, dry climate • This is a naturally occurring cycle • Fire cycle releases nutrients from plants back into the soil • Cycle also helps replace old growth with younger, more productive growth • Excessive fires can lead to soil erosion

  6. Fires

  7. Plant Life • Many are evergreen with hard, waxy leaves • Many plants have symbiotic relationships with microbes to fix atmospheric nitrogen • Many have adaptations to fire: • Thick, fire-resistant bark • Flammable parts above fire line • Store energy in roots to regrow after fire • Some seeds require fire to germinate

  8. Plant Life

  9. Animal Life • Animals are adapted to hot conditions • Many animals burrow to escape the heat • Many are nocturnal or only find food during the morning hours • Some mice and lizards have semi-solid urine • Animals like the Jackrabbit and Kit Fox have very large ears to regulate body temperature

  10. Animal Life

  11. Human Influences • Agriculture • Low-intensity allows soil to remain fertile • High-intensity can lead to soil depletion • Grazing and browsing by livestock • Intentional burning to clear woody plants • Increased human habitation

  12. References • Molles, Manuel C. Ecology: Concepts and Applications. 5th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2010. • http://scientopia.org/blogs/voltagegate/2011/09/06/chaparral/ • http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/chaparral.htm • http://fireecology.org/education/doc1.htm • http://biology.about.com/od/landbiomes/a/aa060906a.htm

  13. Questions?

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