Florida Water & Ecosystems

Why are mangroves valuable along sheltered South Florida coasts?

• They produce drinking water directly
• They grow only above the snow line
• They provide habitat and help stabilize shorelines
• They prevent every hurricane

Which statement accurately compares alligators and American crocodiles in South Florida?

• They are the same species
• Neither occurs in Florida
• They may use different habitats in the Everglades region
• Both live only in freshwater mountain lakes

Why must Everglades restoration involve land outside a national park?

• Canals affect only fenced areas
• The park includes the entire watershed
• Water and wildlife systems cross park boundaries
• Rain never falls outside the park

What can upstream changes around Lake Okeechobee influence?

• Only the state of Alaska
• No ecosystems outside a single canal
• Downstream wetlands and water conditions
• Only road traffic in Jacksonville

What problem besides pollution can threaten a Florida aquifer?

• A permanent mountain snowpack
• Volcanic ashfall everywhere
• Overly high desert sand dunes
• Excessive groundwater withdrawals

How can saltwater intrusion affect coastal Florida communities?

• It guarantees cleaner drinking water
• It creates new mountain springs
• It permanently removes ocean salt
• It can reduce the usability of freshwater supplies