Transcript Georgia’s Costal Habitat Region

Ms. Enright
Important Questions and Answers to Know!
Georgia’s
Coastal Habitat
How would you describe the
Coastal plain region?
The coastal plain region is located south of the piedmont region.
This is the largest region in Georgia. The land is flat with loamy
soil (good for farming) and sandy soil (near the ocean). Most of
Georgia’s farms and crops are in this region. Animals include the
brown thrashers, wild hogs, deer, gopher tortoises, and seagulls.
Plants include crops like peanuts, peaches, and cotton. Also Live
Oaks trees, Spanish Moss, and Saw Palmettos live here. Plants
and animals thrive in an environment with flat land and hot
climate.
Why would the coastal plain
habitat be best suited for this
animal?
Gopher Tortoise – The gopher
tortoise is a reptile that burrows
deep into the sandy soil of the
Coastal Plains using its wide flat
claws. They eat primarily plants and
herbs that grow low to the ground.
They also require a lot of sunlight.
The lack of thick forest areas along
the Coastal Plains region is perfect to
meet this requirement.
Why would the coastal plain habitat be
best suited for this animal?
Wild Hogs – Wild or feral hogs in Georgia prefer the
cover of dense brush for protection, but also may be
found in mature woodlands and grassy areas. During
hot weather they spend much of their time wallowing
in swamps, wetlands, ponds, and streams close to
protective cover. Feral hogs are omnivorous and will
eat anything from grain to carrion. Plant matter
constitutes an important part of their diet. When
available, acorns are preferred. They also consume
roots and invertebrates such as centipedes, leeches,
earthworms and crayfish. In certain areas, crops
make up a significant portion of their diet. Wild hogs
have been known to travel up to seven miles to feed
on agricultural crops.
Why would this habitat be
suited for specific plants?
Live Oak – The Live Oak is a tree that remains green
during the winter months, making it look “alive” instead
of dead during the winter. It grows in sandy soils and
the leaves are waxy and repel salt spray. This allows it to
live near saltwater areas, such as the Atlantic Ocean or
brackish swamps.
Why would this habitat be
suited for specific plants?
• Saw Palmetto - Saw Palmetto is a common
understory plant, often found growing thicket-like in
southern Georgia and the Florida peninsula. It is a low,
spreading palm with stiff leaves and spiny leaf stems.
In coastal regions, it is an aggressive spreader. It is
tolerant of salt spray and drought, and is an excellent
choice for coastal landscapes.
What are the features of animals that allow them to live
and thrive in this region of Georgia?
 Webbed feet for walking
in sand along coast.
 Birds have long legs.
 Thin coats/skin to survive
harsh hot conditions.
 Claws to dig in loamy or
sandy soil for homes.
 Animals can migrate over
large areas for food or
shelter.
What are the features of plants that allow them to live and
thrive in this region of Georgia?

Plants can grow in sandy soil close to ocean.

Waxy leaves that can repel salt spray.

Plants grow quickly.

Drought resistant plants that can store water.

Thin bark to survive hot conditions.



Long root systems spread out wide or go deep into the ground to absorb water.
During a fire, while above-ground portions of grasses may perish, the root portions
survive to sprout again (grasses).
Extensive root systems prevent grazing animals from pulling roots out of the ground.

Soft stems enable plants to bend in the wind.