What are Chaparrals?

Chaparrals are dry areas typically found in coastline regions. The landscape is predominated by dense evergreen shrubs and grasses.

Chaparral Biome. San Diego National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS)

The hot, dry conditions create a favorable environment for fires, which occur frequently in chaparrals.

Many fire resistant plants are found in chaparral regions. Some plants, such as the chamise, even promote fires with their flammable oils. These plants then grow in the ashes after the area has been burned.

Many chaparral animals are nocturnal. They burrow underground to escape the heat in the day and come out at night to feed. This helps them to conserve water, energy, and also keeps the animal safe during fires.

For information about biomes, see:

• Land Biomes
  
• Land Biomes Quiz
  
• Aquatic Communities