WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (October 1, 2020) -- Surviving in nature is a lot like football. It’s about defense.  The big difference is none of the wildlife gets to sit on the sidelines. In this game of survival, the balance of power or victory is rarely determined by size, speed, or even strength. So, how do living things navigate through this infinite maze of change and adaptation? 

Adaptations enable living things to adjust to their environments. In the wetlands of Grass Waters Preserve of West Palm Beach, we can observe many examples of nature’s artistry, as both predator and prey employ a variety of behavioral, chemical, and physical defenses to improve their chances of survival. Here are just a few examples.  

Behavioral defenses for baby alligators will surprise, but not when you consider that the crocodilians have existed on Earth for nearly 95 million years. The first few years of life for baby gators are the most dangerous, because many different types of animals will prey on them. Baby gators generally stay together in a “congregation” for 1-3 years and make a call (presumably a distress call) to which females respond.  Female alligators are good moms and provide a great defense for juvenile gators. 

The native Florida apple snail, the preferred food of the endangered Snail Kite, has adopted a very effective countermeasure to fend off would-be predators. To avoid detection, mature snails can respond to the smell of predators and quickly seek protection by burrowing themselves in the thin patina of peat soils that cover ancient sands left behind when sea levels were much higher. While these strategies are not always successful, these adaptations are an essential part of the survival of both the apple snail and the Snail Kite which feed exclusively on the snails. 

Animal and plant life cycles are sustained by strong behavioral or chemical defense systems. Plants have formed biomechanical defenses against insect herbivores, and animals have adapted and formed several lines of defense to avoid predators. This survival drama is part of the ecosystem that is Grassy Waters Preserve of West Palm Beach.

Grassy Waters Preserve is a 23 square mile wetlands ecosystem that serves as the freshwater supply for the City of West Palm Beach, the Town of South Palm Beach, the Town of Palm Beach. In addition to meeting local demands for freshwater, Grassy Waters Preserve of West Palm Beach also provides hands-on educational experiences for learners of all ages. This historic wetland reconnects visitors with the natural heritage of West Palm Beach.

For more information on Grassy Waters Preserve Public Programs available under the COVID-19 safety guidelines call (561) 804-4895 (TTY: 800-955-8771) or visit: https://www.wpb.org/government/public-utilities/grassy-waters-preserve/public-program-calendar