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Why is the Mediterranean climate region so special? Explore the mystery of global distribution!
Mediterranean forests, woodlands and shrublands are a biome defined by the World Wildlife Fund. It generally has dry summers and rainy winters, although rainfall may be even in some areas. According to experts, the climatic characteristics and biodiversity of these areas make them ideal places to explore natural wonders.
The specificity of these ecological regions brings together 10% of the plant species on the planet.
Global distribution
Mediterranean forests, woodlands and shrublands occur mainly in Mediterranean climate zones, especially in the mid-latitudes. These areas include the Mediterranean basin, Chilean vegetation, California scrub and woodland, the Western Cape, and southwestern and southern South Australia. This biome is not limited to Mediterranean climates, but can also occur in other climates, such as drier oceanic and humid subtropical climates, as well as in fertile areas of semi-arid climates.
Although compared to non-Mediterranean climate areas, the plants in these areas have some very unique characteristics and species.
Vegetation Type
Mediterranean climate zones have a wide variety of vegetation types, ranging from forests to woodlands, grasslands, shrublands and meadows. "Mosaic habitats" are very common here, in which different types of vegetation intersect with each other, showing complex changes in soil, topography, wind, sunlight, fire history and other factors.
Many woody plants that inhabit Mediterranean climates are sclerophyllous plants, which are characterized by small, dark leaves with a waxy outer coating that retains moisture.
Biome plants and the impact of fire
Major plant communities include forests, woodlands, grasslands and shrublands. Fire plays an important role in these ecological zones, whether occurring naturally or caused by humans. Frequent fires make these areas particularly vulnerable, so plants have evolved to adapt to this phenomenon.
Many plants in the Mediterranean region actually depend on fire for reproduction as part of their survival.
Changes and degradation due to human activities
Unfortunately, these ecological areas have suffered tremendous damage due to human activities, including deforestation, overgrazing, agricultural transformation, urbanization, and the introduction of exotic species. Many native plants and animals have become endangered.
Many biological communities in the Mediterranean region have suffered ecological collapse and loss of function due to human influence.
Whether it is through the action of fire or the impact of human activities, the uniqueness of the Mediterranean climate region remains a reminder that protecting these fragile ecosystems is the responsibility not only of ecologists, but of everyone who cares about the future of our planet. Shared mission. In the current challenge of global climate change, can we find effective ways to protect these precious ecological environments?
