rocky shore 1
what is a rocky shore
any shoreline with a rocky substrate
what are tide pools?
Tide pool is an area where organisms can cool down, carry out gaseous exchange and feed.
what is zonation
a separation of organisms in a habitat into definitive zones or bands according to biological and physical factors, common in rocky shore habitats.
when is the upper shore submerged?
only during high tides
what is the lower zone?
An area usually covered with water except during the lowest spring tides.
what is the difference between how the upper and lower limit are determined?
upper limit is abiotic factors and lower limit are biotic factors.
how are tide pools formed?
when seawater fills a particularly low spot in the rocks during low tides.
what are the different zones on a typical exposed rocky shore?
splash zone, upper shore, middle shore, lower shore
how many times and at what tide are middle shores exposed to air?
two times at a low tide
Organisms found here have very few adaptations for living outside water, so they dry out or overheat easily.
true or false?
true
what is the role of rocky substrates?
it provides place for attachment-habitat, it prevents organisms from being washed away.
why are tide pools important?
for the survival of organisms in the higher zones
what is the splash zone?
Area of the shore that is just above the high tide mark
what is something organisms must be able to do to withstand living in the upper shore?
Withstand long period of time without water or food.
Drastic changes in temperature
Risk of desiccation during low tides
The pull of water movement as tides come in and out
how are the conditions of the lower zone compared to the other ones in the rocky shore community?
they are the most stable
what challenges do organisms in rocky shores face?
Fluctuating temperature during low and high tides
Exposure to strong wave action
Exposure to air which lead to desiccation
Slope of the shore
Availability of different type of rocks for attachment
Availability of sunlight throughout the year
how does the longevity of the tide being out affect it and how does it change once the tide comes back in?
tide pool becomes warmer and saltier due to the shallowness of the water and evaporation. However, after the tide comes back in
what are some examples of organisms in the splash zone shores and their characteristics/adaptations?
periwinkle-Common snails, use their muscular foot to clamp onto rocks to prevent being swept away by waves, can survive for days without food or water by closing themselves into their shell storing just enough water in their gills for gas exchange.
limpets- Flattened-looking snails. They clamp their shell to a rock in order to seal in water during the driest parts of the day. Helps to maintain temperature and perform gas exchange.
what are some examples of organisms in the upper shore and their characteristics/adaptations?
chitons- A mollusc with a muscular foot that is able to clamp down hard onto rocks, which prevent them from being washed away, prevent predators from eating them. They are also able to trap water in their mantle during low tide to allow for gas exchange and temperature regulation
channel wrack- Can survive up to 8 hours without water because the fronds are curled to reduce water loss by evaporation. Channels within the frond designed to trap water at high tide. Can survive even though 90% of its water is lost there is fast rehydrate (in 25 mins).
what are some examples of organisms in the middle zone shores and their characteristics/adaptations?
barnacles- A type of crustacean. Cement themselves to a suitable substrate as larvae and then metamorphose into their adult form. When the tide is in: Shells are opened and feather-like feet are extended to filter feed on the incoming plankton. When the tide goes out: Shells are closed to prevent desiccation and predation.
blue mussels- Use byssal threads to attach to rock faces. These threads help mussels hang on during tide changes when waves are crashing. they clamp their two shells shut, trapping water inside to prevent desiccation.
do the challenges rocky shore organisms have affect biodiversity? why or why not?
the challenges do not affect biodiversity in rocky shores because rocky shores have one of the most stable habitats, despite the challenges.
why do tide pools have a lack of oxygen?
tide pools have a lack of oxygen because of increasing temperature and salinity force dissolved oxygen to leave the water its also because the organisms within the pool are using up the oxygen.
how do tides affect the organisms in the splash zone?
Organisms are only sprayed with seawater during high tide and left to dry out during the remainder of the day
the organisms are submerged only during spring tide or storm surge
what are some adaptations organisms need to withstand the conditions of the middle shore?
Coping method to deal with desiccation, but not to the extent of those living in the upper shore and splash zone. Equal exposure to air and submerged underwater. Able to survive while submerged for long time
what are some typical organisms found in the lower zone?
seaweed, algae, sea stars, sea urchins, sea anemones and oysters.