 Typically found 30 0 N or S latitude

 Mediterranean basin  South America  Western coast of Southern Africa  California  Southwestern tip of Australia

 Average temperature from 0 0 C to about 20 0 C  Winters o Relatively warm  Summers o Hot and dry  Precipitation o Over 100mm to 20mm

 Small and/or nocturnal  Mainly grassland  Desert types o Adapted to hot, dry weather  California examples o Coyotes o Alligator lizards o Horned toads

 Shrubs and low growing vegetation  Many plants contain volatile chemicals o Turpentine to deter herbivores  Hardy and drought resistant o Evergreens, cacti, olive and fruit trees, and cork oak  Aromatic plants and herbs o Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano

 Adapted by growing thick barks or regenerate from their root system  Trees are used as  buffers o Cork Oak

 Key element of this ecosystem  Many plants are well adpated  Fire spreads quickly

 Development o Warm climate situated near the coast is desirable as a living site Native plant and animal communities are replaced