FLORA AND FAUNA 8 th SS

Climate Mild to moderate Mild to moderate Allows for diverse plant and animal population Allows for diverse plant and animal population Right Whale – state marine mammal (also called the Baleen whale) Right Whale – state marine mammal (also called the Baleen whale) Manatee - sea cow, very gentle, endangered list Manatee - sea cow, very gentle, endangered list Birds – over 170 species Birds – over 170 species Alligator – were endangered, now we have hunts Alligator – were endangered, now we have hunts

Growing Seasons of Georgia Northern Georgia – 180 days (6 months) Northern Georgia – 180 days (6 months) Southern Georgia – 270 days (9 months) Southern Georgia – 270 days (9 months)

Plants Native plants – a plant that originated in Georgia Native plants – a plant that originated in Georgia Foreign plants – a plant that was imported (brought in from somewhere else into Georgia) Foreign plants – a plant that was imported (brought in from somewhere else into Georgia)

Trees Georgia has more than twice the national average of forested land 63% Georgia has more than twice the national average of forested land 63% Georgia Pacific - produces paper products Georgia Pacific - produces paper products

Uses for trees in Georgia Pine trees are used for naval stores and pulp production Pine trees are used for naval stores and pulp production Peach and Pecan trees for fruit Peach and Pecan trees for fruit

Fishing Industry Fish, shrimp, shad, crabs, jellyfish are just a few examples Fish, shrimp, shad, crabs, jellyfish are just a few examples Adds $45 million to Georgia’s economy each year Adds $45 million to Georgia’s economy each year

Mineral Resources Marble – used in the Lincoln Memorial Marble – used in the Lincoln Memorial Granite, limestone, shale, gold, quartzite, talc, and clay products are all mined in Georgia Granite, limestone, shale, gold, quartzite, talc, and clay products are all mined in Georgia Kaolin and Fuller’s Earth – used in kitty litter, soap, medicines and absorbent for oil Kaolin and Fuller’s Earth – used in kitty litter, soap, medicines and absorbent for oil Hard Kaolin used in bricks and cement Hard Kaolin used in bricks and cement

Coastline Georgia has more than 100 miles of coastline Georgia has more than 100 miles of coastline Barrier Islands Barrier Islands Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

Tides Semidiurnal tides – 2 high tides and 2 low tides ex.6am low Semidiurnal tides – 2 high tides and 2 low tides ex.6am low 12pm high, 6pm low, 12am high Georgia tides – run 6-9 feet Estuaries - bodies of freshwater and saltwater mix (brackish). The nesting sites for coastal birds and food for aquatic creatures. The birthplace for numerous organisms. Saltwater marshes – consists of cordgrass and many other types of grasses, protects small animals Freshwater marshes – serve a a water source for wildlife in the forests