Mediterranean Biome

Mediterranean Biome, also known as the sclerophyll ecosystem, is like nature’s cool club found between 30°- 40° (sometimes even up to 45°) latitudes in the western parts of continents, both in the northern and southern hemispheres. Biome as a chill hangout spot that includes European lands hugging the Mediterranean Sea, the sunny vibes of central and southern California in the U.S.A., the laid-back atmosphere of central Chile in South America, the coastal coolness of north-western Africa by the Mediterranean Sea, and even the far south-western part of South Africa. Don’t forget the beachy vibes of coastal zones in western and southern Australia, plus the chill coastal areas of western Turkey, Syria, Israel, and Lebanon in Asia.

Climate

Winters in the Mediterranean climate are cool and wet, while summers are dry.
Most of the rain falls during the winter months.
This climate is a result of the sun moving north and south, causing shifts in pressure and wind belts.
Winters are moderately cool, ranging between 5°C and 10°C.Summers are warm and dry, with temperatures varying from 20°C to 27°C.
This creates an annual temperature range of 15-17°C or even more.
Annual rainfall hovers between 370mm and 650mm.
Winter brings more soil-water, but the summer season dries it up. The lack of water during summer limits vegetation growth.

Natural Vegetation

These plants have cleverly adapted to survive the dry summer season by developing leaves with sclerophyllous characteristics. This means their leaves are stiff and hard, and their stems boast thick barks.
To cope with varying water availability throughout the year, these plants also exhibit xeromorphic features like thickened cuticles, tiny hairs, and sunken stomata. These adaptations help them regulate gaseous exchange effectively.
The dominance of trees and shrubs characterizes the vegetation in this environment.
Certain tree species, like mastic trees, have remarkable mechanisms to adjust to changing weather conditions. For instance, they can close their stomata during dry summers or winter drought, minimizing water loss through transpiration and conserving moisture.
Some trees take it a step further by having thorny leaves, such as those found in succulent cactus families.
The root systems of these plants are equally diverse. Some have extensive tap roots that penetrate consolidated parent rocks, like almond trees. Others, like chamise, develop both above-ground and deep-rooted systems. Some plants, such as geophytes like dahlia flowers, feature bulbous or tuber roots.

Animal Community

In the Australian Mediterranean biome, you’ll find a variety of birds and animals. Among the unique marsupials, the western grey kangaroo stands out.
California and Chile share similarities in their Mediterranean biomes, housing animals like mule deer in California and Chilean guanaco. Unfortunately, some predator species like wolves and mountain lions are becoming rare.
The regions also host various predators and their prey. Coyotes, similar to Chilean foxes, roam these areas. Additionally, you’ll find lizards, snakes, and impressive raptors such as kites, falcons, and hawks.
Unfortunately, the original native animals of the South African Mediterranean biome face challenges. Extensive forest clearance by European settlers has led to the extinction or rarity of many species, including the quagga, a unique type of zebra that is now completely extinct.

Read Also: Mediterranean Climate