Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Province facts for kids
The Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Province is a large natural area in North America. It is known for its unique plant life. This area is a type of coastal plain, which means it is a flat, low-lying land next to an ocean. It is part of a bigger plant region called the North American Atlantic Region.
This special province was named a "biodiversity hotspot" in 2016. A biodiversity hotspot is a place with many different kinds of plants and animals that are found nowhere else. It also means that these unique species are in danger of losing their homes. This area has over 1,500 plant species that grow only there. Sadly, about 70% of their natural homes have been lost.
Contents
What is the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain?
The Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Province is a huge area of land. It is a "floristic province." This means it is a region that shares similar types of plant life. Think of it as a large natural neighborhood for plants.
Where is this Special Place?
This important natural area stretches along the eastern and southern coasts of North America. It starts in southern Nova Scotia in Canada. Then it goes all the way down to eastern Texas in the United States. It includes most of the Atlantic coastal plain. It also covers the Gulf coastal plain up to eastern Texas.
In one part, called the Mississippi Embayment, the province reaches far inland. It goes up to where the Ohio and Mississippi rivers meet. This meeting point is near Cairo, Illinois.
Why is it a Biodiversity Hotspot?
A "biodiversity hotspot" is a very important term in science. It means an area has a lot of different living things. Many of these plants and animals are found only in that specific place. Also, these areas must have lost a lot of their original natural habitat. This makes them very special and also very vulnerable.
The Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Province fits this description perfectly. Scientists have found more than 1,500 types of plants that live only in this region. These plants are called "endemic" species. This means they are unique to this area and cannot be found naturally anywhere else in the world.
Unique Plants of the Coastal Plain
The plants in this region have adapted to its special conditions. These conditions include sandy soils and often wet areas. Many of these plants are very old and have been growing here for a long time. They are a key part of the local ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for many animals.
The fact that 70% of their homes have been lost is a big concern. This loss is often due to human activities. These include building cities, farming, and other developments. Protecting these areas helps save these unique plants. It also helps the animals that depend on them.
See Also
- Coastal plain
- Biodiversity hotspot
- Floristic region
