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Convergent Evolution for Differing MTE Biomes

2017 Research Brief

Description

Five different Mediterranean Type Ecosystems (MTEs) around the world have evolutionarily converged in function with analogous vegetation types. With gorgeous photographic samplers to illustrate each type, we learn why these fire-adapted systems host more biodiversity than every other terrestrial ecosystem outside of the wet tropics.


Contact

Jon E. Keeley, jon_keeley@usgs.gov 

Marti Witter, marti_witter@nps.gov 

Liz van Mantgem, evanmantgem@usgs.gov

Additional Information

Rundel, P.W., M.T.K. Arroyo, R.M. Cowling, J.E. Keeley, B.B. Lamont, P. Vargas. 2016. Mediterranean biomes: evolution of their vegetation, floras, and climate. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 47:383-407.