Ask IFAS: Ecosystems

Ecosystems

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Aquatic Ecosystems

Interaction of living organisms with the physical or chemical environment in a body of water.

Process of reversing the degradation of ecosystems, such as landscapes, lakes and oceans to regain their ecological functionality; in other words, to improve the productivity and capacity of ecosystems to meet the needs of society.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits people and other organisms obtain from ecosystems; examples include: pure water and clean air, scenic landscapes, wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

Habitats

The natural environment where an organism, population or community lives, including biotic and abiotic factors. [NALT] [AGROVOC]

Terrestrial Ecosystems

Upland Pine Ecosystems

Upland pine communities are woodlands characterized by widely spaced longleaf pines with a sparse to moderate shrub layer, along with a dense, species-rich groundcover of grasses and herbs. Other plants commonly occurring in this community are turkey oak, bluejack oak, southern red oak, live oak, persimmon, gopher apple, and leadplant. Animal species include green treefrog, gopher tortoise, eastern fence lizard, red-bellied woodpecker, loggerhead shrike, cotton mouse, and fox squirrel.

Vegetation

Publications

Florida Soil Series and Natural Community Associations

FR455/FOR384by G. D. J. LaPierre, N. D. Medina-Irizarry, and M. G. AndreuJune 2, 2022Soils often dictate the presence of different types of inherent natural communities. In this project we created a table that relates soil series to natural communities found in Florida. Correlation of soil series and natural communities was performed through the synthesis of land management plans, the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) documentation of exemplary sites, along with the UC Davis Soil Resource Laboratory Soil Web Survey mapping information system (SoilWeb). The GPS coordinates and conservation site names of the selected locations for said soil series are also recorded in this table. Use of this table can help private landowners, land managers, and researchers detect current and former natural communities on sites.

Caterpillar cascade: Where are all these caterpillars coming from across Florida? UF/IFAS has answers

Meredith BauerApril 11th, 2024Florida is full of caterpillars this month. But what are they and what can you do about them? Are they dangerous? Fast facts from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent Jackie Lebouitz: Some common caterpillars are the tussock moth , the echo moth, oak leaf-roller and the woolly gray moth. […]

Exploring the Ecological Wonders: World Wetlands Day in Taylor County, Florida

VICTOR BLANCOFebruary 2nd, 2024World Wetlands Day is an opportunity to delve into the unique and vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in sustaining life on our planet. In Taylor County, our wetlands are not just landscapes but vibrant hubs of biodiversity, providing countless benefits to our environment. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the ecological wonders […]

Preserving Nature’s Underwater Wonder

VICTOR BLANCODecember 13th, 2023: Seagrass Ecosystems in Taylor County, Florida Beneath the tranquil waters along the Gulf Coast of Taylor County lies a hidden gem crucial to the marine ecosystem—seagrass. These verdant underwater meadows play a pivotal role in the health of coastal environments, providing a multitude of benefits, environmental services, and serving as habitats for an array […]

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