Constitution

Biotic Components

SCI/256

July 27, 2011

Professor Keesha Lewis-Bolden

The Everglades, a Wetland Ecosystem

The Florida Everglades is considering one of the most beautiful nature ecosystems in the United States. Formed over thousand years, and known as a wetland ecosystem, encompassing over 4,500 miles of slow moving waters feeding this changing tropical habitat. This unique river flows into the tidal creeks estuaries and into the saltwater mangroves and saw grass marshes. Its waters and vegetation helps and provides home for many species. The structure of the Florida Everglades is pine, freshwater cypress forests, open prairie and tropical water mangrove swamps.

This beautiful ecosystem is the home of newly hatched birds’ nests, snakes, alligators, and crocodiles. The everglades have many dynamics; not only does it help many species and plants to continue growing, but it also give humans a chance for outdoor activities. Camping, fishing, backwoods fishing, hiking, bicycling, equestrian riding, and the most famous sports like; snorkeling, diving, swimming and jet skiing are the most popular outdoor activities in the Everglades.

According to Tomas Carter (2002) The Florida Everglades has changed over time due to dramatic changes in rainfall between the wet summer seasons and the dry winter seasons (Shorter, 2006, para 3.) During the summer there is a 100% humidity and a 95 degree temperatures with severe thunderstorms (Shorter, 2006, para 3). There is also a small change in elevation. The salinity waters and the soil create a complete different landscape for animals. While in the dry winter seasons, the water levels drop and many species of fish are forced to move to deep and fresh areas to survive. Other animals, such as predators like; the alligators, and crocodiles get closer into a formed pool of water to hunt for food. In this changes, the wildlife and the food chain is once again replenished.

Not until the 1930’s that the...