Rocky Intertidal Zones Flashcards
What is the extent of the intertidal zone?
Between the highest tide and the lowest tide
The intertidal zone can also be referred to as the
Littoral zone
List the physical factors of the intertidal zone
GREAT
Geology Range Exposure Aspect (wind & sun) Topography
What is exposure in terms of tidal zones
amount of energy the shore is “exposed” to
What does the geology factor attain to in the littoral zone?
The type of rock/sediment that the area is mainly composed of
Describe sandstone in terms of littoral zones
Intermediate erosion, high diversity
Describe granite in terms of littoral zones
Not easliy eroded (rounded boulder shores) , low diversity
Describe limestone in terms of littoral zones
Lots of erosion (soluble:shores are angular and jagged) animals and plants in the area can produce acids that bore into the stone
Explain the significance of the equinox in terms of tides.
Fastest rate of change in tide between day legths
What is Ballantines scale?
Shows something
What is aspect?
Generally orientation to the sun
Sunny side= high sun exposure = dessication = low animal abundance
Shady side= more mositure = more animals
What topographical structure protects the south side of Straddie from wave action?
A reef crest
List the types of habitat in rocky intertidal zones
USB PC
Under rocks Surface Bores Pools Crevices
Competition is most high in which habitat?
Surface
Which areas to animals live more higher up in the intertidal zone?
crevices and under rocks and bores
What are the physiological challenges for animals in the intertidal zone? (4 things)
THODS
Thermal stress Hypoxia Osmotic Stress Desiccation Sunburn
What is hypoxia?
tolerance to oxygen loss- salty water doesnt hold much oxygen (causes clamping in bivalves other shelled animasl)
What is osmotic stress?
When the evaporating water turns the water too salty
List the (4) biological challenges to organisms in the intertidal zone
CPRR
Competition
Predation
Recruitment
Reproduction
The most type of competition that goes on in intertidal zones is competition for ____
space
Describe Zonation
due to both biotic abiotic factors certain species are limited to certain “zones” (vertical and horizontal)
The upper limit of the intertidal zone is set by what?
Abiotic factors (dessication, composition)
The lower limit of the intertidal zone is set by what?
Biotic factors (predation, competition)
Describe the littoral fringe & upper littoral (5 things)
-above high tide mark (more on land, out of the “splash zone”)
-organisms more adapted to air
-barren
-more terrestrial predators
-preferred by plants and algae
(periwinkles dominate)
