Florida's Natural History

Florida’s natural history is shaped by its unique geography and climate. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the state’s landscape includes extensive wetlands, coral reefs, and diverse forests. Over millions of years, geological forces created its peninsular shape and flooded coastlines. The region’s warm, humid environment supports diverse plant and animal species, including iconic alligators, manatees, and a variety of birds. Florida’s natural history also includes periods of climate change, sea-level fluctuations, and the rise and fall of ecosystems, which have continually shaped its rich ecological landscape and contributed to its vibrant biodiversity today.