Here are five observations that I think are a good representation of a chaparral environment. This one is located on the Tiburon Peninsula.
Coyote Brush--this plant is ubiquitous in chaparral areas in the Bay Area. It has small leaves, presumably to save the plant water in its dry environment.
Western Fence Lizard--lizards, being ectotherms, need warm, sunny places to regulate their body temperatures. This chaparral environment has few large trees, ideal for minimizing shade and maximizing sun basking opportunities.
Genus Dudleya, Powdery Liveforever--this is a very interesting plant, one I would expect to find in the desert rather than a chaparral environment. Its thick, succulent leaves are ideal for retaining water on dry, rocky perches.
Coyote Mint--this plant has a thick, succulent stem, an adaptation ideal for a dry, rocky environment.
Caloplaca Ignea (Red Fire Ant Lichen)--this lichen likes exposed rocks, and the tree-less, serpentine studded chaparral environment is perfectly suited for its abundant growth.
The area in which the following observations were made is borderline between a Redwood Forest and a Moist Evergreen Forest. However, I think the observations are representative of a wet forest environment.
Coast Redwood--the leaves of the Coast Redwood are not adapted for a dry environment, rather they are long and broad to absorb water in a foggy, moist climate.
Western Tent Caterpillar--this caterpillar is a bit more difficult to explain as being representative of a moist evergreen forest. However, it does rely on trees as its natural habitat.
Artist's Bracket--This fungus relies on moist wood in order to grow. Thus, it is a prime example of an organism which thrives on year-round moisture.
Lady Fern--ferns tend to do well in moist environments, and the Lady Fern's leaflets cover quite a large area to absorb moisture.
Scarlet Waxy Cap--this is a surreal looking mushroom, being almost neon red. It seems to be feeding on the damp soil underneath the carpet of redwood leaves.