This passage is organized in which text structure? A problem and solution B cause and effect C chronological order D sequential order 18. Part B. Which sentence does not support the answer to Part A? A “Mangrove crabs munch on the mangrove leaves, adding nutrients for other bottom feeders.” B “Periphyton is eaten by larval insects and amphibians, which are then consumed by birds, fish, and reptiles.” C “Saw palmettos and shrubs also thrive in pinelands, and it is home to two dozen different types of herbs.” D “Alligator holes are essential to the survival of turtles, fish, birds, and small mammals during droughts.” Plants and Animals of the Everglades 1 The Everglades National Park is home to a vast assortment of plants and animals that have adapted to a wet, subtropical environment. The Everglades contain many kinds of ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, open ponds, sawgrass marshes, small tree islands, large hardwood hammocks, and mangrove swamps. The Everglades has wetlands plants, trees and marsh vegetation, which provide shelter for saltwater fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. Some of the ecosystems that make up the Everglades include the following: Sawgrass marshes 2 This primary part of the Everglades is a shallow river that is 100 miles long and 60 miles wide. Many people refer to this ecosystem as the real Everglades. Sawgrass is a tall plant that has tiny ridges, or teeth, along the length of its sides. This habitat stays wet most of the year, but water levels drop during dry seasons. Sawgrass is the most dominant plant found in this habitat, but a plant called periphyton is extremely important in supporting the Everglades food chain. An image of sawgrass marsh 3 Periphyton (pronounced pair-ee-fi-ton) can be spotted floating on top of the water in clumps, and it looks like a spongy greenish mass of mud. These clumps form when many algae plants grow together. 4 Periphyton uses the sun’s energy to produce food. Since it forms the base of many of the Everglades food chai
