That Heavenly Map may not be there soon. The climate and man's ability to destroy places like this are taking their toll. As humans move about, they bring with them species from other areas that can get released into the ecosystem. These species can take up residence and because they have no predators, become very successful, out-competing native species and changing the dynamics of the entire ecosystem. Invasive animals and plants in the Florida Keys include the lionfish , Boa Constrictors and Guinea grass. In addition to all these local direct and indirect impacts, the effects of global warming are predicted to heat the waters in the area by 4 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and raise sea levels, possibly causing changes that are too rapid for the ecosystem to repair.
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