A survey of selected coastal vegetation communities of Florida

Abstract

A survey of coastal vegetation around Floridawas conducted during 1973 and 1974. Seventeen sites were selected and sampledusing the transect method to determine species occurrence, relative densities, andhabitat development and structure. Sites were sampled quarterly except where hightides prevented data gathering. Species occurrence was compared within andbetween sites using Sarensen's Index of Similarity (IS,) as a basis for determiningsimilarity of species inhabiting selected sites. Indices ranged from 4 to 61%, theformer representing only one plant common to two sites. Results showenvironmental factors acting upon species alter species composition in seeminglysimilar habitats. Instead of the term "community", the term "association" is used tobetter reflect the concept of a taxonomically unrelated group of plants occupying aparticular habitat. (Document has 40 pages.)