Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub

Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub are like big outdoor homes for lots of plants and animals. They're found in places that have warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, like the countries around the Mediterranean Sea.

The forests are mostly made up of trees that have big, waxy leaves to help them hold on to their water during the hot, dry months. The woodlands are made up of smaller, bushy trees and shrubs, while the scrub is filled with low-growing plants like herbs, grasses, and thorny bushes.

Many different kinds of creatures live in these habitats. Birds, reptiles, and mammals like rabbits and foxes can all be found there. The plants and animals have adapted to the hot, dry conditions by storing water or going dormant during the summer months, and then growing and reproducing during the cooler, wetter winter months.

People who live in the Mediterranean region have used these habitats for a long time, too. They've used the wood from the trees to build homes, and the plants for food, medicine, and other uses. But because these habitats are so unique and important for the plants and animals that live there, it's important that we take care of them and protect them for future generations to enjoy.