|
Australia is a highly
diverse continent with a large number of distinct vegetation
types. Only the major habatat types are listed here. These represent
the types most commonly recognised by ant collectors and found
on specimen labels. Note that these habitats can be easily subdivided,
often into a large number of subtypes. Also note that the types
listed here often merge. For example, rainforest trees and Eucalyptus,
typical of wet sclerophyll, can occur together. These situations
blur the distinctions given here.
|
Tropical and Temperate Rainforests
Highly diverse and species-rich habitats found in high rain fall areas along coastal areas and Tasmania.
|
|
Sclerophyll Forest
The most common habitat found in Australia (with the possible
exception of the Arid Zone). Dominated by Eucalyptus species,
this habitat ranges from wet to dry sites. The tree canopy is
generally closed (that is, branches of neighboring trees touch)
and the understory ranges from open to dense. |
Dry Sclerophyll
Wet Sclerophyll
|
Open Woodland
Widely spaced trees (whose canopies don't overlap) with minimal understory. |
|
Mallee
Dominated by a range of Eucalyptus species which produce
a number of trunks from a single point. Often on sandy soils with
spinifex (Triodia species). |
|
Arid Zone
Dry regions in the interior of Australia. Dominated by low shrubs
with only scattered trees. In extreme cases vegetation can be
limited to scattered shrubs over grasses and bare ground. |
|