ANIMALS
Rattle Snakes - known for rattle at the end of its body; very toxic, deadly venom; consume birds, rodents, and other small animals
Coyote - 20 to 50 lbs.; very sneaky and sly; hated by farmers --> eat livestock; prey on rabbits, fish, rodents, frogs, deer, snakes, insects, fruit, and some grass
Cactus Wren - 7 to 9 inches long; largest wren in the US; white stripe run over eye; mostly eat insects such as beetles, ants, wasps, grasshoppers as well as fruit, seeds, an occasional tree frog or lizard
Spotted Skunk - 21 to 25 inches long; size relates to a cat; unique pattern on its back; musk spray; diet consists of rodents, small mammals, insects, vegetation, fruit, and berries
Wild Goat - 130 to 300 lbs.; 4 feet tall; coarse wool fur and horns; eat mostly leaves, grass, twigs, bark, and berries
PLANTS
Coyote Brush - sunflower family; fire-resistant leaves; adapt to dry conditions; provide shelter for other wildlife
Sagebrush - prefers to grow where other plants do not; 2 to 12 feet tall; grow close together; adapt to dry conditions; can be used for irritated skin and to keep rodent and mosquito away
Fairy Duster - 8 to 48 inches; pea family; many animals eat this; also used as decoration
French Broom - considered a weed; made into brooms in the past; controls erosion on dunes; grows to be 5 to 8 ft.; pea family; slightly toxic
King Protea - found all over the world; South Africa's national flower; yellow, pink, and red paddle-like pedals; found in flower arrangements;
PHYSICAL & BEHAVIORAL ADAPTATIONS
All plants and animals in the shrubland biome have two major parts of nature to adapt to: fire and drought. Because the this biome has very hot and dry summers and occasional lightening storms, the chance of a wild fire is very high. For animals, they must flee their homes to avoid fire, but for plants, some have a special fire-resistant qualities. During a drought or dry period, animals must find another water source, whether that be some place away from home or from other plants. Plants have specific adaptations for dry seasons, such as growing short and having little, needle-like leaves that help preserve water.
All plants and animals in the shrubland biome have two major parts of nature to adapt to: fire and drought. Because the this biome has very hot and dry summers and occasional lightening storms, the chance of a wild fire is very high. For animals, they must flee their homes to avoid fire, but for plants, some have a special fire-resistant qualities. During a drought or dry period, animals must find another water source, whether that be some place away from home or from other plants. Plants have specific adaptations for dry seasons, such as growing short and having little, needle-like leaves that help preserve water.