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Secrets of the Mediterranean forests: How does this ecosystem support 10% of plant species?
The Mediterranean forest, woodland and shrubland ecosystem is a biome defined by the World Wildlife Fund that has unique climatic characteristics: hot summers and wet winters, even though rainfall may be low in some areas. Consistent. Summers are usually hot in inland areas at low latitudes, but may be slightly cooler near cooler seas; winters are generally mild to cold in the lowlands, but can be quite cold inland and in the highlands. These unique eco-regions together support 10% of the Earth's plant species and are worthy of further exploration.
Distribution Range
The Mediterranean forest, woodland and shrubland biomes are found primarily in mid-latitude regions with Mediterranean climates, but are not limited there. These ecosystems also occur in Matorral, Chile, shrubs and woodlands of California, the Western Cape of South Africa, and South Australia.
These ecosystems exist not only in the Mediterranean climate zone, but may also appear in other adjacent climate zones and even in semi-arid regions, demonstrating their diversity and complexity.
Vegetation characteristics
Mediterranean climates have a variety of vegetation types, ranging from forests to woodlands, grasslands and shrublands. Many woody vegetation in these areas have sclerophyllous leaves, which are small, dark leaves covered with a waxy outer layer to help conserve water during dry summers.
South Africa's Fenbos is considered a unique plant kingdom, with 68% of its 8,600 vascular plant species being endemic, making Fenbos an important hotspot of global plant diversity.
Plant Community
The main plant communities in this biome include:
- Forests: Mediterranean forests consist mainly of broadleaf trees, such as oak and mixed sclerophyll forests in California and the Mediterranean.
- Woodland: Characterized by oak forests in the Mediterranean basin and California.
- Grasslands and Scrublands: California's Central Valley grasslands are the largest of the Mediterranean grassland ecoregions.
Effects of fire
Fires, both natural and human-caused, play a major role in shaping Mediterranean ecosystems. During hot, dry summers, plants have adapted to regular fire and rely on fire to produce reproduction, recycle nutrients, and remove dead or senescent vegetation.
However, with the arrival of European colonization, fire was suppressed, resulting in the threat to many species whose reproduction depended on fire.
Ecosystem degradation
The Mediterranean ecosystem is considered one of the most fragile in the world. These ecoregions have been hit hard by anthropogenic activities such as excessive logging, overgrazing, agricultural conversion, urbanization, and invasive species.
Many native plants and animals are seriously threatened or even extinct.
As the impact of global climate change becomes more severe, how will this weathered ecosystem adapt and preserve its vitality?
