Final answer:
The chaparral biome, also known as a scrub forest, is distinguished by dominant shrub vegetation that is well adapted to withstand periodic fires, and utilizes the nutrient-rich ashes for regrowth, particularly in areas such as California, the Mediterranean region, and southern Australia.
Step-by-step explanation:
A distinguishing characteristic of a chaparral is that shrubs dominate its vegetation. These shrubs are extremely resilient and well adapted to periodic fires in the area. After such fires, the ashes that are left behind are rich in nutrients, which are beneficial for the regrowth of vegetation. The chaparral, often referred to as the scrub forest, can be found in locations like California, along the Mediterranean Sea, and the southern coast of Australia. The biome experiences most of its rainfall during the winter, amounting to 65-75 centimeters (25.6-29.5 inches) annually, with very dry summers during which many chaparral plants enter a state of dormancy. Fire plays a natural role in the maintenance of this biome, with some plants producing seeds that germinate only after being exposed to the heat of a fire.