Biscayne National Park - Natural Features

The creeks and islands of Biscayne National Park offer clues to the area"s geologic history. (NPS Photo) Although Biscayne National Park has an extensive human history spanning over 10,000 years, the park was established for its natural features. The park"s four primary ecosystems are comprised of a variety of smaller communities like seagrass meadows, hardbottom areas and hardwood hammocks. The geology of the area has been influenced by changing sea levels, currents, hurricanes, and reef-building organisms like corals. South Florida"s subtropical climate produces forest types that are more typical of the Caribbean than of mainland North America. Click on the topics to the right to learn more about these and other natural features within the park.