Biotic Factors
Biotic Factor - An aspect of the environment that is living, either plant or animal
Community - The inhabitants of an ecosystem, which influence each other in various ways and the ecosystem as a whole
Community - The inhabitants of an ecosystem, which influence each other in various ways and the ecosystem as a whole
Insects
Monarch Butterfly - Danaus Plexippus
Monarch butterflies are born as larvae in a protective casing. As the larvae grow they become caterpillars. Once a caterpillar has matured it creates a casing around itself and enters the pupa stage of the lifecycle.
Emerging as a butterfly, the adult Monarch has bright orange and black distinctive markings which it uses to ward of predators. Alongside the bright markings the Monarch butterfly is also foul tasting, this deters predators from eating it. The Monarch has a lifespan of six to eight months. It can grow to sizes of 10 cm. The Monarch feeds on the Milkweed bush almost solely.
Honey Bee - Apis Mellifera
Honey bees live in colonies where they work as a collective to survive. As the name suggests Honey Bees produce honey, which they store and use as food for the colony. The presence of Honey Bees is very important for flowering plants as they assist in their pollination. There are three types of Bee in a colony: workers, drones and the queen. The queen and workers are female whilst drones are male. Workers are responsible for foraging, guarding the hive and providing food. Drones are responsible for breeding with the queen. The queen lays eggs, up to 2,000 a day, and regulates the behaviour of the workers. Honey Bees rely on their sting for defense.
Ladybug - Coccinellidae
The Ladybug is well known for its distinctive red half sphere with black spots. The red and black are used as a sign to deter predators, if the warning is ineffective the ladybug can also secrete a foul tasting fluid from their joints. Ladybugs feed on plant-eating insects like Aphids, which they consume in large amounts. Ladybugs lay their eggs in Aphid colonies so when they hatch they will have a ready supply of food.
Preying Mantis - Mantodea
These insects are formidable predators, preying on animals up to three times their size.
Green or brown in colour, mantids are well camouflaged and prefer to hunt by laying in wait for prey or stalking it slowly. Mantids use their barbed forearms to capture prey and they can strike faster than the naked eye can see. Mantids prey on a large range of small insects such as: crickets, grasshoppers, flies, moths and beetles. Mantids will also eat other mantids, as such they tend to be solitary animals. Mantids have two compound eyes and three simple eyes and can rotate their head 180° degrees. They have an average lifespan of twelve months.
Burrowing Scorpions - Anuroctonus Phaiodactylus
These scorpions spent the large majority of their lives in their burrows, hence their name. Each scorpion constructs their own burrow. The Burrowing scorpion preys on small insects. Their preferred method of hunting is to wait for prey to enter the burrow and then subdue it, relying on their large pincers. The scorpion's sting is relatively harmless and is akin to the sting of a bee. The burrows of the scorpion are located in rocky hills and grassland and their burrows are easily visible from the surface.
Monarch butterflies are born as larvae in a protective casing. As the larvae grow they become caterpillars. Once a caterpillar has matured it creates a casing around itself and enters the pupa stage of the lifecycle.
Emerging as a butterfly, the adult Monarch has bright orange and black distinctive markings which it uses to ward of predators. Alongside the bright markings the Monarch butterfly is also foul tasting, this deters predators from eating it. The Monarch has a lifespan of six to eight months. It can grow to sizes of 10 cm. The Monarch feeds on the Milkweed bush almost solely.
Honey Bee - Apis Mellifera
Honey bees live in colonies where they work as a collective to survive. As the name suggests Honey Bees produce honey, which they store and use as food for the colony. The presence of Honey Bees is very important for flowering plants as they assist in their pollination. There are three types of Bee in a colony: workers, drones and the queen. The queen and workers are female whilst drones are male. Workers are responsible for foraging, guarding the hive and providing food. Drones are responsible for breeding with the queen. The queen lays eggs, up to 2,000 a day, and regulates the behaviour of the workers. Honey Bees rely on their sting for defense.
Ladybug - Coccinellidae
The Ladybug is well known for its distinctive red half sphere with black spots. The red and black are used as a sign to deter predators, if the warning is ineffective the ladybug can also secrete a foul tasting fluid from their joints. Ladybugs feed on plant-eating insects like Aphids, which they consume in large amounts. Ladybugs lay their eggs in Aphid colonies so when they hatch they will have a ready supply of food.
Preying Mantis - Mantodea
These insects are formidable predators, preying on animals up to three times their size.
Green or brown in colour, mantids are well camouflaged and prefer to hunt by laying in wait for prey or stalking it slowly. Mantids use their barbed forearms to capture prey and they can strike faster than the naked eye can see. Mantids prey on a large range of small insects such as: crickets, grasshoppers, flies, moths and beetles. Mantids will also eat other mantids, as such they tend to be solitary animals. Mantids have two compound eyes and three simple eyes and can rotate their head 180° degrees. They have an average lifespan of twelve months.
Burrowing Scorpions - Anuroctonus Phaiodactylus
These scorpions spent the large majority of their lives in their burrows, hence their name. Each scorpion constructs their own burrow. The Burrowing scorpion preys on small insects. Their preferred method of hunting is to wait for prey to enter the burrow and then subdue it, relying on their large pincers. The scorpion's sting is relatively harmless and is akin to the sting of a bee. The burrows of the scorpion are located in rocky hills and grassland and their burrows are easily visible from the surface.
Herbivores
Black Tailed Jackrabbit - Lepus Californicus
Common in the Western United states and Mexico the Jackrabbit resides in hot and dry areas like the Chaparral biome. Jackrabbits are well adapted to suit their environment, they have ears with an extremely large surface area, allowing them to cool their blood very efficiently. The Jackrabbit's long legs allow it to run at speeds of up to sixty kilometres per hour, it relies on this speed to allow it to outrun predators. The Jackrabbit's padded and fur covered soles allow it to run on the hot ground and its grey fur enables it to blend in with its surroundings. Jackrabbits prefer to feed in open areas where predators are easily visible. They feed at night, on virtually all types of vegetation, the Jackrabbit is extremely adaptable.
Mule Deer - Odocoileus Hemionus
Mule Deer can be found throughout the Chaparral landscapes of America and Mexico. They are named after the similarity between their ears and those of a mule. Mule Deer browse on shrub and gorse predominantly, the kind of vegetation that is typically seen in the Chaparral biome. Mule Deer live from nine to eleven years on average. They react to danger by bounding away from the suspected threat. They are typically a metre and a half tall.
Anna's Hummingbird - Calypte Anna
Although no larger than a ping pong ball these tiny hummingbirds are very distinctive, the male's head and throat are a shiny reddish-pink, while the rest of their body is green to grey. They feed on nectar from plants in the American Chaparral. Their wings move constantly at high speeds to allow them to hover in the air. The legs of Anna's Hummingbird are very short so they are only able shuffle side to side whilst perched, yet they are very graceful when in flight.
California Mouse - Peromyscus californicus
One of the many species of mice that inhabit the Chaparral biome. Characterised by long ears and a tail twice the length of its body. California Mice are nocturnal and feed on fruits, flowers and seeds. They pair for life and both of the partners help to raise young. They create nests under fallen logs and line them with sticks and dead grass to insulate them against the cold desert nights.
Mouflon - Ovis Musimon
Mouflon are one of two ancestors to the modern day sheep. The Mouflon can be found in the Chaparral environments of western Europe. The Mouflon inhabits higher Chaparral elevations and relies on the rocky slopes and hills to protect it from predators. Mouflon have a dark reddish brown coat with a white underbelly. Both male and female Mouflon grow horns but the males are typically larger. Mouflon feed on grass and shrubs, its digestive system is suited to the tough and hard to digest vegetation found in the Chaparral biome. The Mouflon's stomach has multiple chambers and it regurgitates its food to gain the maximum amount of nutrients possible.
Common in the Western United states and Mexico the Jackrabbit resides in hot and dry areas like the Chaparral biome. Jackrabbits are well adapted to suit their environment, they have ears with an extremely large surface area, allowing them to cool their blood very efficiently. The Jackrabbit's long legs allow it to run at speeds of up to sixty kilometres per hour, it relies on this speed to allow it to outrun predators. The Jackrabbit's padded and fur covered soles allow it to run on the hot ground and its grey fur enables it to blend in with its surroundings. Jackrabbits prefer to feed in open areas where predators are easily visible. They feed at night, on virtually all types of vegetation, the Jackrabbit is extremely adaptable.
Mule Deer - Odocoileus Hemionus
Mule Deer can be found throughout the Chaparral landscapes of America and Mexico. They are named after the similarity between their ears and those of a mule. Mule Deer browse on shrub and gorse predominantly, the kind of vegetation that is typically seen in the Chaparral biome. Mule Deer live from nine to eleven years on average. They react to danger by bounding away from the suspected threat. They are typically a metre and a half tall.
Anna's Hummingbird - Calypte Anna
Although no larger than a ping pong ball these tiny hummingbirds are very distinctive, the male's head and throat are a shiny reddish-pink, while the rest of their body is green to grey. They feed on nectar from plants in the American Chaparral. Their wings move constantly at high speeds to allow them to hover in the air. The legs of Anna's Hummingbird are very short so they are only able shuffle side to side whilst perched, yet they are very graceful when in flight.
California Mouse - Peromyscus californicus
One of the many species of mice that inhabit the Chaparral biome. Characterised by long ears and a tail twice the length of its body. California Mice are nocturnal and feed on fruits, flowers and seeds. They pair for life and both of the partners help to raise young. They create nests under fallen logs and line them with sticks and dead grass to insulate them against the cold desert nights.
Mouflon - Ovis Musimon
Mouflon are one of two ancestors to the modern day sheep. The Mouflon can be found in the Chaparral environments of western Europe. The Mouflon inhabits higher Chaparral elevations and relies on the rocky slopes and hills to protect it from predators. Mouflon have a dark reddish brown coat with a white underbelly. Both male and female Mouflon grow horns but the males are typically larger. Mouflon feed on grass and shrubs, its digestive system is suited to the tough and hard to digest vegetation found in the Chaparral biome. The Mouflon's stomach has multiple chambers and it regurgitates its food to gain the maximum amount of nutrients possible.
Carnivores
Coyote - Canis Latrans
The Coyote is a very clever and adaptable creature. The Coyote is very similar physiologically and behaviourally to the Fox, who it shares its Chaparral habitat with. Coyotes will eat rabbits, rodents, small mammals, fish, frogs, snakes, deer and insects. Their diet is dependent on what is available. Coyotes' primary source of food is meat, but they will eat fruit and grasses as well. Coyotes have a strong sense of smell and sensitive hearing, combined with their cunning nature they are very effective hunters. Because of their effectiveness they have spread their range out significantly from what it once was. Coyotes can run at speeds of 64 kilometres an hour. When food is scarce Coyotes form packs.
Mountain Lion - Felis Concolor
The apex predator of the Chaparral environment, Mountain Lions are formidable predators and well equipped for survival. Mountain lions hunt at dawn and dusk. Their favoured method of hunting is to stalk prey and wait for an opportunity then strike with a powerful bite to the back of the neck. Mountain lions prey primarily on deer, although they will hunt smaller mammals like coyotes and raccoons. They can weigh up to sixty two kilograms and grow to 1.6 meters long.
Red-Shouldered Hawk - Buteo Lineatus
The Red-Shouldered hawk is one of the many birds of prey who patrol the skies of the Chaparral biome. The Red-Shouldered Hawk feeds on small mammals, lizards, snakes and frogs. As the name suggests they have distinctive red markings along the front of its wings. The Red-Shouldered hawk can be found throughout America.
Gray Fox - Urocyon Cinereoargenteus
The Gray Fox's diet consists of small mammals like rabbits, voles and mice, it will also eat birds and insects. The Gray Fox is predominately silver-grey with red markings. They have a large bushy tail and range from 80 to 120 centimetres in length. The gray fox is a solitary hunter but it is monogamous, meaning it has a partner for life, with whom it reproduces multiple times. Litter sizes of the Gray Fox range from one to seven.
Western Spotted Skunk - Spilogale Gracilis
The Western Spotted Skunk preys primarily on rodents, rabbits and insects but, like many animals in the Chaparral biome, can also eat roots and berries, this adaptability is required for the fluctuating sources of food found in the harsh environment. They have a body length between 24 and 38 cms long and a tail length between 9 and 20 cms. The Western Spotted Skunk, like all skunks, has the ability to deter predators by spraying foul smelling musk at them.
The Coyote is a very clever and adaptable creature. The Coyote is very similar physiologically and behaviourally to the Fox, who it shares its Chaparral habitat with. Coyotes will eat rabbits, rodents, small mammals, fish, frogs, snakes, deer and insects. Their diet is dependent on what is available. Coyotes' primary source of food is meat, but they will eat fruit and grasses as well. Coyotes have a strong sense of smell and sensitive hearing, combined with their cunning nature they are very effective hunters. Because of their effectiveness they have spread their range out significantly from what it once was. Coyotes can run at speeds of 64 kilometres an hour. When food is scarce Coyotes form packs.
Mountain Lion - Felis Concolor
The apex predator of the Chaparral environment, Mountain Lions are formidable predators and well equipped for survival. Mountain lions hunt at dawn and dusk. Their favoured method of hunting is to stalk prey and wait for an opportunity then strike with a powerful bite to the back of the neck. Mountain lions prey primarily on deer, although they will hunt smaller mammals like coyotes and raccoons. They can weigh up to sixty two kilograms and grow to 1.6 meters long.
Red-Shouldered Hawk - Buteo Lineatus
The Red-Shouldered hawk is one of the many birds of prey who patrol the skies of the Chaparral biome. The Red-Shouldered Hawk feeds on small mammals, lizards, snakes and frogs. As the name suggests they have distinctive red markings along the front of its wings. The Red-Shouldered hawk can be found throughout America.
Gray Fox - Urocyon Cinereoargenteus
The Gray Fox's diet consists of small mammals like rabbits, voles and mice, it will also eat birds and insects. The Gray Fox is predominately silver-grey with red markings. They have a large bushy tail and range from 80 to 120 centimetres in length. The gray fox is a solitary hunter but it is monogamous, meaning it has a partner for life, with whom it reproduces multiple times. Litter sizes of the Gray Fox range from one to seven.
Western Spotted Skunk - Spilogale Gracilis
The Western Spotted Skunk preys primarily on rodents, rabbits and insects but, like many animals in the Chaparral biome, can also eat roots and berries, this adaptability is required for the fluctuating sources of food found in the harsh environment. They have a body length between 24 and 38 cms long and a tail length between 9 and 20 cms. The Western Spotted Skunk, like all skunks, has the ability to deter predators by spraying foul smelling musk at them.
Flora
Coyote Brush - Baccharis Pilularis
Coyote Brush can be found throughout the Chaparral environment of California. It inhabits all forms of the biome, from coastal scrubland to rocky hillsides. The Coyote Brush is a evergreen bush, with wiry limbs and hard bark. Its egg shaped leaves are small and waxy. The bark and leaves of the plant are well adapted to minimise water loss. Coyote Brush is also extremely fire resistant, with thick bark and oily leaves which prevent them from burning. As well as being fire retardant the oils on the leaves also make the plant unappetising to herbivores. The Coyote Shrub has a large root system which extends far from the tree, ensuring the maximum amount of moisture is collected.
Olive Tree - Olea Europaea
The Olive tree requires very particular conditions to grow: a hot summer with large amounts of sun, a mild winter and well drained soil. The Chaparral biome is ideal for Olive tree growth. Like most small trees and bushes in the Chaparral environment the Olive tree is evergreen, with small leaves and rough, thick grey bark. The leaves of the Olive tree are small and almond shaped. The branches of the tree are thin and dense.
Common Sagebrush - Artemisia Tridentata
Common Sagebrush can be found in arid environments throughout south-west America. Sagebrush grows in well drained and sheltered areas, like the rocky hills of the Chaparral biome. The Sagebrush is a short shrub with thin stems, the leaves are 3 cm long with a ragged three pointed edge. The roots of the Sagebrush are a combination of deep and concentrated and shallow and spread, this allows the plant to tap into deeper moisture sources when water is scarce and to capture more when there is more widely available on the surface.
French Broom - Cytisus Monspessulanus
The French Broom is a medium height shrub that grows in thick stands. It can grow to heights of two meters and forms stands of foliage which can block out other species. The branches of the French Broom are typically straight and green, covered with small centimetre long leaves. Between April and June small pea-sized yellow flowers occur in two's and three's along the stems of the plant. It is so named because its twigs used to be trimmed and used as brooms.
Mariposa Manzanita - Arctostaphylos manzanita
Manzanita is a low shrub that can be found in the Chaparral environment of California, where it grows on hillsides and other sunny well drained sites. Manzanita, like many plants in the Chaparral biome, rely on large amounts of sunlight and little to no moisture in a well drained environment. The branches of Manzanita are dense and the leaves are circular and stiff. They rely on fire to germinate their seeds and animals like birds, foxes and coyotes to spread them.
Coyote Brush can be found throughout the Chaparral environment of California. It inhabits all forms of the biome, from coastal scrubland to rocky hillsides. The Coyote Brush is a evergreen bush, with wiry limbs and hard bark. Its egg shaped leaves are small and waxy. The bark and leaves of the plant are well adapted to minimise water loss. Coyote Brush is also extremely fire resistant, with thick bark and oily leaves which prevent them from burning. As well as being fire retardant the oils on the leaves also make the plant unappetising to herbivores. The Coyote Shrub has a large root system which extends far from the tree, ensuring the maximum amount of moisture is collected.
Olive Tree - Olea Europaea
The Olive tree requires very particular conditions to grow: a hot summer with large amounts of sun, a mild winter and well drained soil. The Chaparral biome is ideal for Olive tree growth. Like most small trees and bushes in the Chaparral environment the Olive tree is evergreen, with small leaves and rough, thick grey bark. The leaves of the Olive tree are small and almond shaped. The branches of the tree are thin and dense.
Common Sagebrush - Artemisia Tridentata
Common Sagebrush can be found in arid environments throughout south-west America. Sagebrush grows in well drained and sheltered areas, like the rocky hills of the Chaparral biome. The Sagebrush is a short shrub with thin stems, the leaves are 3 cm long with a ragged three pointed edge. The roots of the Sagebrush are a combination of deep and concentrated and shallow and spread, this allows the plant to tap into deeper moisture sources when water is scarce and to capture more when there is more widely available on the surface.
French Broom - Cytisus Monspessulanus
The French Broom is a medium height shrub that grows in thick stands. It can grow to heights of two meters and forms stands of foliage which can block out other species. The branches of the French Broom are typically straight and green, covered with small centimetre long leaves. Between April and June small pea-sized yellow flowers occur in two's and three's along the stems of the plant. It is so named because its twigs used to be trimmed and used as brooms.
Mariposa Manzanita - Arctostaphylos manzanita
Manzanita is a low shrub that can be found in the Chaparral environment of California, where it grows on hillsides and other sunny well drained sites. Manzanita, like many plants in the Chaparral biome, rely on large amounts of sunlight and little to no moisture in a well drained environment. The branches of Manzanita are dense and the leaves are circular and stiff. They rely on fire to germinate their seeds and animals like birds, foxes and coyotes to spread them.