Why is periphyton so abundant in the Everglades?

Why is periphyton so abundant in theEverglades?• Salinity – similar periphyton mats exist across broad salinityrange with species swapping functional roles across spectrum• Temperature – high temperatures with relatively lowfluctuations allow sustained production throughout the year• Nutrients – periphyton sustains highest production underlowest nutrient concentrations indicating efficient recycling• Consumer Interactions – periphyton feeds the food web butreduced edibility and high turnover mask consumer effects• Hydrology – communities are adapted to particularhydroperiod regimes and recover quickly after desiccating• Plant Interactions – TBA but conjecture that periphyton mayeffect plants through smothering but also through seed bank• Light – periphyton sustains high productivity even under thelowest light intensties, minimizing shade-effects of plants