Limiting factors and niche partitioning
Limiting Factors are variables that limit population growth, while niche partitioning is the dividing of resources so there is no need for direct competition.
Limiting Factors
The chaparral biome is very dry. Rain occurs in the winter and it is usually about 10-17 inches. Plants must have adaptations such as small leaves in order to survive with the lack of water and high temperatures. Those plants that are not well adapted do not survive. However, fire is the greatest limiting factor; plants have to be adapted to fire in order to survive. This can be done with adaptations like thick barks or fire proof seeds that crack with the heat of fire. Fire is very important to the chaparral, because it clears out species that do not belong, eliminates competition, and frees up the resources.
Niche Partitioning
Niche partitioning occurs between the Egyptian mongoose and the Iberian lynx. Even though both species prey on rabbits, they both coexist by dividing up the territory. Areas with high lynx density are usually avoided by mongooses, because the Iberian lynx is the stronger opponent and will kill the mongoose if they encounter. If the area where the mongoose lives has a frighteningly high number of lynxes, then the mongoose will use the microhabitat with the denser, more protective vegetation in order to avoid lynx encounters.