Ecology of Florida
The ecology of Florida considers the state's two Level I and three Level II/III ecoregions containing more than 80 distinct ecosystems. They differ in hydrology, climate, landforms, soil types, flora, and fauna, forming a global biodiversity hotspot.
Abiotic environment
The climate of Florida varies across the state due to its polar orientation and 447-mile length. From central Florida to the Georgia border, the climate is generally humid subtropical, while South Florida has a tropical climate. The end of spring to mid-fall is characterized by a significant rainy season, with hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tropical cyclones. The winter and spring are significantly drier, often resulting in brushfires and strict no-fire laws. Snowfall has been recorded in northern Florida, and hard freezes have damaged orange groves.Florida is surrounded on three sides by bodies of water: the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Florida Bay to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. In addition to its coastal habitats, Florida has a variety of wetland habitats, such as marshland, swampland, lakes, springs, and rivers. Florida's largest river is the St. Johns River. Florida's largest lake, Lake Okeechobee, flows into the Florida Everglades, a two-million acre subtropical wetland.
Biotic environment
Fauna
Terrestrial
Florida is home to diverse wildlife. Over 700 species of land animals are found in the state, including bobcats, armadillos, opossums, and foxes. More than 500 species of birds have been seen in the state, and it is home to an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs of bald eagles. Florida's diverse ecosystems are home to many types of insects, including the Gulf fritillary, a butterfly native to Florida grasslands.Florida's mild climate, international ports of entry, and animal and nursery trades make the state vulnerable to invasive species; those that currently pose a threat include the Burmese python, cane toad, feral pigs, and lionfish. Native wildlife is also threatened by habitat loss through land being converted to agriculture and urban development.
Marine
Florida's waters support more than 200 freshwater fish species.Forest ecology
Florida has many types of forest ecosystems.- Upland hardwoods: They are often found in patches, surrounded by flatwoods and sandhills. Upland hardwood forests typically host diverse trees and shrubs, with no dominant species. Many Florida state parks encompass upland hardwood forests.
- Bottomland hardwoods: They consist of shallow, wet areas near lakes, rivers, and sinkholes, which makes them prone to flooding. Consists of primarily deciduous trees that grow in layers with shrubs and herbaceous plants.
- Sandhills: This is a dry region with sandy soils that rarely floods. Fire periodically clears the underbrush and allows grasses and trees to dominate.
- Scrub: Scrub consists of various sand pines, dwarf oaks, Florida rosemary, palmettos, and other evergreen and xerophytic plants on sandy, nutrient-poor soil. This ecosystem is prone to and maintained by infrequent wildfires. Scrub plants tend to have extensive root systems close to the surface.
- Flatwoods: Pine flatwoods are low, flat, sandy lands subject to fires during dry months, but that may flood for months due to seasonal rainfall. Pine needles contribute to nutrient-rich soil, so plant growth is often rapid, supporting cattle grazing.
- Tropical hardwood hammock: This ecosystem includes many broad-leaved evergreens. These forests are restricted to South Florida because of hard freezes in the North. These areas are often preferred for development for their well-drained soils.
Human impacts
In the pre-Columbian era, forests, prairies, and the Everglades dominated Florida's landscape. Small rivers, swamps, and natural lakes and springs were ubiquitous. At the time, the area was inhabited by the Florida's indigenous tribes. These tribes led a mostly subsistence-based lifestyle, consisting of basic farming to provide enough food for one family. This way of living had minimal effects on the landscape, as most of the time only fertile areas of non-swamp land were utilized.Over time, as the European colonization of the Americas progressed, more and more Europeans began to colonize the area. Once the technology to drain and redirect extensive areas of swampland presented itself, more settlers came to lay claims to acres of land for future development. These large influxes of people led to the mass manipulation of the Florida landscape, altering it permanently. Significant effort was made to divert, drain, or redirect water through the creation of various types of waterways like canals or manmade lakes. Settlers also began cutting down forests, and converting the lands from natural to agricultural use. This intense and highly complex manipulation of the landscape caused problems for the native species of animals living there.
Water
Supplying water poses problems for the natural environment. Bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, and wetlands, are drained to create homes or other facilities. Water can also be redirected to address population growth or economic development, which may compete with the needs of flora and fauna. Runoff of pesticides and fertilizers from farming, industry, and households damages ecosystems. Toxic chemical runoff and byproducts from decomposing materials and foods can contaminate water supplies.Deforestation
Forests offer habitats for small and large animals, insects, small organisms like bacteria and fungi that feed on decomposing tree trunks, and harbor plants. They also store carbon. Deforestation is the removal of trees to use the land for other purposes. "Florida has lost 22% of forests since 1953."Introduced fauna and flora
Introduced species from non-native environments, such as Southeast Asia and South America thrived in Florida. Local and private groups formed to combat some invasive species. One example is Lygodium microphyllum. This vine can cover whole sections of a forest. The vine is native to Africa, Australia, and Southeast AsiaOne invasive animal species is the Cuban tree frog. It hitched a ride in shipping containers. Only freezes and unusually cold winters limit their growth. They feed on native Florida tree frog populations."Cuban Treefrog in Florida"> The frog is native to areas such as Cuba, Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas.