California The Chaparrals have formed many adaptations to compensate for summer droughts. The shrubs have a deep root system that can reach up to 8 meters deep. The roots of other shrubs may be widely spreading and usually shallow. To reduce transpiration, shrubs have adapted their coloring, cuticles and stomata. Their stomata will close if there is water stress in the plant. To reflect light, the shrubs have light coloring and a thick cuticle. The thick cuticle also prevents water loss. Chaparral adaptations have other similar adaptations to desert plants which will be discussed in more detail. California Chaparral depends on fire. These species have many adaptations for dealing with fire, but one of the most common is that many species of shrubs can germinate underground. These latent buds are underground to protect themselves from the fire above, and as the heat rises, they are sheltered from the heat. Other adaptations include dormancy for long periods, heat resistance, or germination when exposed to high temperatures.