Ecology of the seagrasses of south Florida: a community profile
A detailed description is given of the community structure and ecosystem processes of the seagrass ecosystems of south Florida. This description is based upon a compilation of information from numerous published and unpublished sources. The material covered includes distribution, systematics, physiology, and growth of the plants, as well as succession and community development. The role of seagrass ecosystems in providing both food and shelter for juveniles as well as foraging grounds for larger organisms is treated in detail. Emphasis is given to the functional role of seagrass communities in the overall coastal marine system. The final section considers the impacts of human development on seagrass ecosystems and their value to both man and the natural system. Because seagrass systems are fully submerged and less visually obvious, recognition of their value as a natural resource has been slower than that of the emergent coastal communities. They must, however, be treated as a valuable natural resource and preserved from further degradation.
- Research Organization:
- Virginia Univ., Charlottesville (USA). Dept. of Environmental Sciences
- OSTI ID:
- 6725184
- Report Number(s):
- FWS/OBS-82/25; ON: DE83900362
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
FLORIDA
GRASS
ECOLOGY
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
COASTAL WATERS
COMMUNITIES
ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FOOD CHAINS
MAN
PRODUCTIVITY
ANIMALS
ECOSYSTEMS
FEDERAL REGION IV
MAMMALS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
PRIMATES
SURFACE WATERS
USA
VERTEBRATES
520100* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (-1989)