A combination of salt and fresh water.

The highest level of plant growth in a forest.

The slow break down (Decomposition) of plant material.

The rise of land that is measured by units above sea level. 

A plant that grows on another plant or tree; it derives its nutrients from the rain and debris that falls on it.   

The wearing away of land by water or wind.

An aquatic area in which fresh water from rivers mixes with salt water from the oceans.

Having been introduced to an area where the organisms would not naturally be found.

An area of higher ground that supports a community of plants that are different from those in lower elevations.

Soil that contains limestone.

The area where an organism originated; plants that have lived in South Florida for hundreds of years and were not introduced to the are by humans.

Rich soil made of decomposing plants.

The plant layer growing under the canopy, made up of mostly young trees and shrubs.