Chapter 6: Rocky and Sandy Shores

Question 1

why are shores studied?

Answer 1

-accessible, taxonomically relatively simple, and provide ecological goods and services to society

Question 2

what does wave action determine?

Answer 2

community structure and composition, individual shape, form, and behavior

Question 3

how are waves formed?

Answer 3

winds at the air/water interface.

-length of fetch, wind speed, direction, duration, depth of water all affect the period and height of waves.

Question 4

what is a major determinant of what kinds of organisms live on the shore?

Answer 4

the sizes of particles that make up the shore

Question 5

although the shore is a harsh environment, it makes a good habitat why?

Answer 5

• good hideout for marine organisms (juves especially)

- spawning possibilities

Question 6

what is the rocky and sandy shore?

Answer 6

• area btwn high and low tide
• periodically submerged
• dynamic ecosystem
• tidal variations
• interactions with other ecosystems
• migrating animals

Question 7

what happens if wave action is increased?

Answer 7

• amplify the wetness/dryness gradient
• uplift biological zones with increased wave exposure
• sort particles according to mobility
• drive beach environment towards a more reflective or dissipative morphodynamic state

Question 8

what are the two extreme states of the shore?

Answer 8

dissipative and morphodynamic

Question 9

what are the shore zones?

Answer 9

supra, mid and infra littoral

Question 10

name some species of the different zones

Answer 10

supra: black lichen
mid: barnacles, mussels
infra: large kelp

Question 11

what are some anthropogenic causes of shoreline damage?

Answer 11

• coastal squeeze
• industrial collection of animals and algae
• pollution (heavy metals ,cooling water, sewage leading to red tides, antifouling paints, oil spills)