Biodiversity Hotspots in the US Quiz
California Floristic Province, Appalachians (10 questions).
Biodiversity Hotspots in the US: Quick Study Notes
The United States hosts diverse ecosystems, but two regions stand out for their exceptional biological density and endemism: the California Floristic Province and the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These hotspots are global priorities for conservation due to their unique evolutionary histories and high concentrations of rare species.
Key Takeaways
- The California Floristic Province is a Mediterranean-type biodiversity hotspot.
- Over 60% of California’s native plants are endemic to the province.
- The Appalachians are known as the “Salamander Capital of the World.”
- A region must have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation to be a “hotspot.”
- Fire ecology plays a crucial role in maintaining California ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California Floristic Province?
It is a region along the Pacific Coast defined by a Mediterranean-type climate and high plant endemism, extending from southern Oregon to northern Baja California.
Why are the Appalachians so biodiverse?
Their immense age and the fact that they were not fully glaciated during the last Ice Age provided stable refuges where species could survive and diversify.
What defines a biodiversity hotspot?
To qualify, a region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and have lost at least 70% of its original primary vegetation.
What rare animals live in the Appalachians?
The region is famous for its lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae) and an incredibly high diversity of freshwater mussels and crayfish.
Does the California Floristic Province only cover California?
No, while mostly in California, it extends into southwestern Oregon and northern Baja California, Mexico.
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