Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems |
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Lands of Two Seasons, UC Natural Reserve System Great weather, abundant harvests, and some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities characterize the five Mediterranean-climate ecosystems. Large human populations plus a profusion of species make these areas critical biodiversity hotspots. This program offers an overview of Mediterranean-climate regions, highlighting their biological uniqueness, economic importance, and factors threatening the health of their ecosystems. |
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Shaping Life: The Geology of Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems, UC Natural Reserve System Mediterranean-climate ecosystems are home to a phenomenal number of unique plant species. The geological history of each region has played a starring role in the evolution of plants and informs modern efforts to conserve floral biodiversity. |
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Oceans and Mediterranean Climate, UC Natural Reserve System California is renowned for its fabulous weather. Interactions between the oceans and the atmosphere produce the dry summers and mild winters enjoyed by all five of the world’s Mediterranean-climate regions. |
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Drought, Flood, and Fire, UC Natural Reserve System The world’s Mediterranean-climate regions swing between years of drought and heightened fire risk, and years of catastrophic flooding. This is business as usual for native plants, many of which are built to survive dry times or rely on fires to regenerate natural communities. |
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Chaparral Restoration, USDA Forest Service Although chaparral covers large areas of California, these ecosystems are frequently overlooked. Research into the benefits and problems facing these areas is being conducted by the Forest Service as part of its ecological restoration work. |