Okefenokee Swamp
By ELijah Yarizadeh
Introduction-
The Okefenokee swamp is the largest swamp in North America as it covers about 700 square miles of area. The Okefenokee swamp crosses over the border of Georgia and Florida. The Okefenokee swamp is INFESTED with tons of wildlife! There are 400 species of vertebrates, including more than 200 types of birds and 60 kinds of reptiles. And there is even more to come for the Okefenokee swamp!
Biotic Factors-
American alligator: Alligator mississippiensis
Black titi: Cliftonia monophylla
Cottonmouth: Agkistrodon piscivorus
Eastern gray squirrel: Sciurus carolinensis
Florida panther: Puma concolor coryi
Mosquito: Order Diptera, Family Culcidae
Pileated Woodpecker: Dryocopus pileatus
Poison ivy: Toxicodendron radicans
Pond cypress: Taxodium ascendens
Prothonotary warbler: Protonotaria citrea
The Abiotic Factors-
SUBSTRATE: Saturated with water for varying periods each year; amount of organic matter depends on length of saturation, source of water, and fire frequency.
TOPOGRAPHY: Low-lying; along drainages, around lakes, and in small ponds.
PROCESSES/DYNAMICS/ABIOTIC FACTORS: Annual length of soil saturation, amount of organic matter accumulation in soil, source of water, and fire frequency determine major characteristics of Florida swamps.