CW4-3291
From Environmental Technology
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G |
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a) The Everglades Nat'l Park is the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the U.S. Annual rhythms of drought, flood, fire, sunshine and torrential rain could eventually lead to the destruction of it's abundancy in rare and endangered species.
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b)
- Marine/Estuarine
- Mangroves
- Coastal Prairie
- Freshwater Marl Prairie
- Freshwater Slough
- Cypress
- Hardwood Hammocks
- Pinelands
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c) The largest predator, I would have to say, would probably be the American Alligator. They usually grow 1 foot per year (growth being the most significant during the first year). Growth depends on what's consumed and how much of it. Weight can vary greatly as well, depending on length. They eat a wide variety of foods to obtain their length and weight, including:
- Insects
- Crabs
- Crayfish
- Fish
- Frogs
- Snails
- Turtles
- Snakes
- Coots
- Grebes
- Wading Birds
- Raccoons
- Otters
- Deer
- Dead Animals
- Vegetation
...and other Alligators.
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d) A Manatee is a marine mammal that grows to 1,000 pounds and roams U.S. coastal waters from Louisiana to Virginia. Manatees pull up and eat the abundant sea grasses and aquatic plants of the bay, consuming 10 to 15 percent of their body weight a day. Boating accidents occur often and is a major problem for the Manatees. They enjoy floating near the surface of the water and as a result get cut my boats that speed by. The cuts get infected, and in time prove to be fatal. Automacic locks and dams also can harm or kill Manatees.
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e) Fire, along with other natural phenomena, such as:
- Rain
- Drought
- Hurricanes
- Wind
- Lightning
...is a natural process. It eliminates decaying vegetation and makes room for new vegetation to grow. The nutrients that come from the burning off of the old vegetation helps to nourish the newer vegetation, therefore enhancing the quality of the plantlife for the animals who consume it.
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f) Glacial movements helped sculpt the land during the Ice Age. Then, when the ice melted, it returned to the sea. No glaciers actually developed in Florida, but their effects were felt there.
