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The rocky shore is an area on the surface of the sea where rocks are present with the collision of waves of the sea. They are exposed to ocean tides refining rocky formation. This is a rich environment with a lot of creatures.
Characteristics of Rocky Shore:
They are formed by the accumulation of sediments with hard materials like rocks and boulders. The waves then shape the rocks into intricate formations creating tiny spaces and hideouts for animals there. This also will create the intertidal zone (located between high and low tides). This requires animals to adapt to the biodiversity of the environment (exposure to air and sunlight during low tide, wet and dry bodies). Rocky shores also contain tide pools, and rocky surfaces each one with specific environmental conditions.
How Species Adapt In Rocky Shore:
2.1 Surviving crushing waves:
Living here requires a lot of precautions. For example, some animals like sea stars and seaweeds adapted clinging structures to climb rocks, and others have protected shells to withstand predation. Like seals, their bodies have mechanisms to support temperature fluctuation.
2.2 Staying Hydrated:
To avoid drying out, some animals hide in rocky tiny spaces. Others have mechanisms to hold on to internal water in their bodies like mussels. Snails also close their shells to prevent extra exposition to the air.
2.3 How Rocky Shores Animals Avoid Predators:
This habitat is an excellent place for tiny animals to hide in rocky spaces. Others also use camouflage and speed to stay away from danger.
Ecological Importance Of Rocky Shore:
Rocky shores help protect the coast from erosion by dissipating wave energy and stabilizing sediments on the shore, animals also play an important role by cleaning and feeding on the rocky shore. They also present nursery ground making them ideal to nutrient cycling and exchange with nearby ocean surfaces through photosynthesis.
Animals Living In Rocky Shore:
Seaweeds are primary producers forming the food web but common species like kelps, rockweed, and algae are present. Some fish species are present like sculpins, and rockfish. And invertebrates are here too like sea stars, limpets, and crabs.
How This Habitat Is Changing:
Animals living here face low oxygen levels in tide pools affecting salt concentration (low on rainy days). But high tide waves make access to nutrients easy as they drag any organic food and residues back to the shore like plankton nourishing small animals.
How To Protect Rocky Shores From Human Impact:
Rocky shores face habitat destruction, but there is something we can do to protect them:
*Establishing marine protected areas, habitat restoration projects, and habitat monitoring.
*Public awareness of the importance of rocky shores.
*Do not pick any animals when walking on rocky shore
*Do not throw any kind of garbage there.
*Proper disposal of any wasted materials.
*Pick up any plastic or other harmful material you find.
Rocky shores are fascinating and ecologically important habitats that merit our attention and protection.
Who Lives Here:
Related Ocean Habitats:
The Life In The Sandy Seafloor
What Animals Live In Coral Reefs
Unveiling the Enigmatic Community of Cold Seep
