Wanderlust World Wanderlust World An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals that live together. Florida is home to several different types of ecosystems. The type of ecosystem that will thrive in a particular area is dependent on several things. The humidity level, changes in elevation (even just a few inches), water salinity and soil type are just some of the factors that determine the ecosystems of a certain area.
The southern tip of Florida contains several small coral reefs. Individual corals interconnect to form colonies. As these colonies compete for space, coral reefs are formed. Florida waters contain over thirty different kinds of corals. Coral reefs not only provide food and shelter for several different kinds of marine animals, but they also form a breakwater for the adjacent coast. The breakwater provides natural storm protection for the exposed coastlines. Four different types of sharks are inhabitants of Florida's coral reefs. Angel sharks and zebra sharks are bottom dwellers, while tiger sharks and lemon sharks are the main predators in this type of ecosystem. One of the main threats to the coral reef ecosystem is global warming. The rise of ocean temperatures bleaches the coral. When the coral is bleached, it is no longer a source of food or shelter for the marine animals that live there. Also, careless boaters run aground on the coral and often attempt to anchor their vessels directly over the reefs. There is no way to reverse the damage done to coral by boat anchors.
Dunes are sand hills created by wind, but held in place by tall sea grasses that trap the grains of sand as they blow across the area. Dunes protect the coast against wind and waves. The dunes are important nesting sites for shorebirds and sea turtles.
Marshes are wetlands with a large area of grass or grassy plants. Marshes usually do not contain any trees or shrubs. Fish, frogs, snakes, alligators, deer and the endangered Florida panther are the natural inhabitants of the marsh areas. Water birds may nest and look for food in marshes. Marshes contain standing water most of the year and can act as natural water filtration systems. As the water passes over a marsh area, the water flow is significantly slowed down. This slowing allows sediment and particles to settle to the bottom of the marsh, leaving the freshwater on top. Florida's Everglades are a popular freshwater marsh ecosystem.
Unlike marshes, swamps are usually heavily wooded wetlands. Otters and black bear are some of the animals that make their home and forage for food in Florida's swamps. Wood storks, heron and other birds also inhabit swamplands. Panthers also come into these areas.
Pinelands are the most common plant communities in Florida. Plants growing in the pinelands are resistant to fire because the pinelands are maintained by fire. Seedling pines need lots of sunlight to grow, and fires will destroy the hardwoods that attempt to compete for the sun, while the thick bark of the pine protects it from the fire. Some of the wildlife living in the pinelands includes deer, squirrels, bobcats, raccoons and tortoises.
Scrubs are mostly pinewood with a thick undergrowth of oaks and saw palmetto. Scrubs are found in dry, sandy soil, and the plants that grow here have adapted to very dry conditions. Animals that live in the scrub have adapted to almost desert-like conditions. Some of these animals include gopher tortoises, lizards and spiders.