Dunes & Maritime Forests
Kevin Kall
Introduction
As you can see in the image to the right, Dunes and Maritime Forests are extremely dynamic. There are many different areas within the ecosystem, making very diverse. However, since it is on the shoreline, this ecosystem is one of the most susceptible to change. Winds, tides, currents, and especially storms are constantly revising and reshaping the coastal areas. Loose sediment and dry climate are required for dune formation, as well as energy to move the sediment, such as wind. As the ecosystem gradually goes more inland, the soil is made up of sand and damp, decaying vegetation called peat. More vegetation grows as it gets farther away from the water and as the soil becomes more compact and inland, the hydroperiods become longer.
Abiotic Factors
- Wind
- Temperature
- Water(Ocean, Rain)
- Soil
- Sun
Biotic Factors
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
- Red fox
- Moss
- Loggerhead turtle
- Fungi
- Raccoon
- Mole Crab
- Plum
- Saw Palmetto
- Box turtle
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a pit viper and inhabits the entire state of Florida, including the keys. Diamondback rattlers are the largest rattlesnakes in the world, the record length is 96 inches (243.84 cm).
Black Skimmer
The black skimmer, also called a scissorbill, is a year-round resident of coastal Florida. It breeds along Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Cape Cod to Texas.
Beach Sunflower
The beach sunflower is mainly a coastal dune plant but is also found inland in disturbed areas. Its range is throughout Florida and along the Gulf coast to Texas and along the Atlantic coast to the Carolinas.
Food Web
Classification of Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Domain: Eukaryote
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Subfamily: Crotalinae
Genus: Crotalus
Species: C. adamanteus
Human Impact
Positive:
- Taking away harmful plants to the environment
- Conserve and protect the animals
Negative:
- Developed beachfront
- Brought exotic species
- Coastal development
Water: Florida's Lifeblood
Water is likely the most important thing other than the sun. Animals drink and bathe in water. If animals couldn't bathe in water, bacteria would spread throughout there body. Without drinking anything, they would be dehydrated and become very weak. Plants wouldn't be able to grow without water and more animals would die. With too much water, the plants wouldn't grow because they are soaked.
Evidence of Research
- http://sillyseahorses.weebly.com/dunes-and-maritime-forest.html
- http://webworldwonders.firn.edu/eco/animals.php?ecosystem=Dunes%20and%20Maritime%20Forests
- http://maritimeforest-foodwebproject.blogspot.com/2013/03/food-web.html
- http://floridasnature.com/florida_habitats.htm
- http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs141p2_014913.pdf