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The fynbos ecosystem

A case study

Despite having a biodiversity that is exceeded only by tropical rainforest, the Mediterranean biome is under threat from human impact. This article examines the interrelationships between climate, vegetation and soil in the Mediterranean biome, with specific reference to the fynbos ecosystem of South Africa, and discusses the conservation issues in this region. It is relevant to biodiversity and ecosystems topics which are mainly studied at A2.

Many proteas have striking colourful flowers and obvious sclerophyllous leaves

Regions with a Mediterranean-type climate are located between 30° and 40° latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres. They are found on the west side of continents where there is a cold ocean current offshore. There are five major Mediterranean vegetation regions: n the Mediterranean Sea basin (maquis vegetation) n South Africa (fynbos vegetation)

■ California (chapparal vegetation)

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