### Mediterranean Forest

Distribution:Regions of Mediterranean-type climate occur roughly between 30° and 40° latitude on the west coasts of continents, where offshore there are cold ocean currents. Each region in which the Mediterranean shrublands and woodlands occur is island-like in character and thus there is frequently a high degree of endemism. Comparative studies of the several regional expressions of this biome reveal interesting examples of convergent evolution in plant families and birds on the different continents.

Climate: The Mediterranean Climate is unique in that the wet season coincides with the low sun or winter period. Summers are dry. Total annual precipitation ranges between 15 and 40 inches per year. Temperatures are those of the subtropics moderated by maritime influence and fogs associated with the cold ocean currents. The result is a very limited, but predictable, growing season when there is both sufficient soil moisture and adequately warm temperatures. Many plants are adapted to withstand drought.

The Vegetation: Throughout the world, the Mediterranean biome is characterized by shrubs. In most regions these shrubs are evergreen and have small, leathery leaves with thick cuticles. Sometimes the leaves are so reduced as to appear needle-like. Many typical members of the shrub flora are aromatic and contain highly flammable oils.

Fauna:The fauna of the various expressions of this biome are characterized by endemism that seems more a product of isolation than of peculiar adaptations to the Mediterranean environment. There is close convergence in the bird species found in California and those in Chile in terms of morphology, ecological niche, and even color and vocalization! Approximately the same number of species is also found in both regions.