Dunes and Maritime forests
As you can see in the image above, 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. The ecosystem progressively turns from dunes to shrubs and eventually a full maritime forest. Lover’s Key is home to this entire ecosystem and all of its stages.
The Primary producers found in Lovers Key Dunes and Maritime Forest Habitat:
Animals that can be found at Lovers Key:
Food Web of Maritime Forest