Paragondolella polygnathiformis appeared at the base of the Carnian stage, and is perhaps the most characteristic species.

Grey Heron is a characteristic species in the area along with Mallard.

In Scotland it is a characteristic species of the Caledonian Forest.

It is the characteristic species of grassland ponds.

The desert vegatation is quite varied due to the variety of temperatures with Prosopis shrubs being the characteristic species.

Roughly, three regions with characteristic species can be discerned:

Some of the characteristic species in the thornveld include:

The Tennessee shiner is a characteristic species of the Eastern highland region.

In essence, each lagoon contains its own characteristic species, with a slight similarity for geographic proximity.

Another characteristic species of this community is the dwarf juniper - Juniperus nana.