Aquatic ecology and Biodiversity

Unit 11- Intertidal zone

11.2. Intertidal rocky shore
Rocky shores are areas of bedrock exposed between the extreme high and extreme low tide levels on the seashore.

Vertical Distribution Pattern for Animals and Algae

Formation
Rocky shores form as a result of marine erosion of the overburden and the bedrock, due to a combination of rising sea level and wave action, in areas where there is low sediment supply.
Ecosystem

The ecosystem is complex, as it has interaction between terrestrial and aquatic systems. Energy supply is obtained through primary production by seaweeds and phytoplankton and through organic detritus derived from adjacent land and other intertidal habitats. Depending on its situation, a rocky shore may be an exposed or sheltered area. Habitat is more stable, rocky substrate, tidal pools. Splashes and influenced by tide. The problem prevailed are evaporation, waves, gradients of temperature and salinity. Living community are generally hardy plants and animals, specially adapted for coping with the harsh environment. Rocky area support a preponderance of epifaune – rich and diverse communities of marine plants and invertebrates as well as birds and fishes.