A dense scrubland biome characterized by drought-resistant shrubs and small trees, typically found in Mediterranean climates. This ecosystem experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
From Spanish 'chaparro' meaning dwarf evergreen oak, which came from Basque 'txapar' meaning thicket. The term was adopted into English in the mid-1800s as settlers encountered these distinctive shrublands in California and the American Southwest.
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