Florida Department of Natural Resources, Marine Research Laboratory
Abstract
A survey of coastal vegetation around Florida
was conducted during 1973 and 1974. Seventeen sites were selected and sampled
using the transect method to determine species occurrence, relative densities, and
habitat development and structure. Sites were sampled quarterly except where high
tides prevented data gathering. Species occurrence was compared within and
between sites using Sarensen's Index of Similarity (IS,) as a basis for determining
similarity of species inhabiting selected sites. Indices ranged from 4 to 61%, the
former representing only one plant common to two sites. Results show
environmental factors acting upon species alter species composition in seemingly
similar habitats. Instead of the term "community", the term "association" is used to
better reflect the concept of a taxonomically unrelated group of plants occupying a
particular habitat. (Document has 40 pages.