Biotic Factors:
Biotic factors in the Florida Keys are factors such as species of birds, reptiles, trees, and other living things in the area. A popular tree in the Florida Keys is the mangrove tree. This tree is popular in the Keys because it can live with its roots in salt water, making the coast a nice home for them.There are over 40 species of birds that exist in the Florida Keys. Some examples are Bald Eagles, Little Blue Herons, Osprey, and a White Ibis. In the Florida Keys there are 118 species of reptiles. Some examples of reptiles are the Black Racer, American Crocodile, and a Florida Softshell Turtle. These biotic and abiotic factors are what make the Florida Keys a great place to live or visit. The following chart includes the animals of the Florida Keys and the state that their species is in (check the key on the bottom of the chart).
Abiotic Factors:
Abiotic factors in the Florida Keys are things like hurricanes, currents, sunlight, and water quality. Hurricanes occur in the Florida Keys about 13-16 percent. These violent storms can damage coral reefs because of high winds and large waves. The most serious damage that a hurricane causes is stirring sediment which reduces the amount of light and filters through a water column. The currents are present in the waters of the Florida Keys. Since many of the coral reefs are located in the Florida Keys area they are surviving because of the Florida Current. This current brings warm water up from South America, the Caribbean, and the Florida Bay. The Florida Keys receives direct sunlight since it is close to the equator. This sunlight can transform into a water column that is about 260 feet long. The water quality in the Florida Keys is fairly clean and low in nutrients, nitrogen, and phosphorous. But the water quality is being affected when pollution and contamination from run-off from land or sewage enter the waters. This can harm corals and affect ecosystems.