Chapter 26: Problem 2

What environmental stresses are organisms living in the rocky intertidal zone subjected to?

Short Answer

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Answer: Organisms living in the rocky intertidal zone face several environmental stresses, such as tidal changes, wave action, the rocky substrate, competition, and predation. They must adapt to both aquatic and terrestrial conditions, resist strong waves, attach themselves to rocks, and compete for limited resources while avoiding predators.

Step by step solution

Understand the Rocky Intertidal Zone

The rocky intertidal zone is the area between the high and low tide marks on a shoreline, where the ocean meets the land. This zone is characterized by its rocky substrates and the fact that it is submerged underwater during high tide and exposed to air during low tide. Organisms living in this harsh environment must be able to withstand a wide range of conditions.

Identify Environmental Stresses Related to Tidal Changes

One major environmental stress for organisms in the rocky intertidal zone is related to tidal changes. Since this area is underwater during high tide and exposed to air during low tide, the organisms must be able to survive both aquatic and terrestrial conditions. They have to deal with fluctuating temperatures, varying levels of salinity, and the risk of desiccation (drying out) when exposed to air.

Identify Environmental Stresses Related to Wave Action

Another stress for organisms living in the rocky intertidal zone is the constant wave action. Strong waves can physically move or dislodge organisms, potentially causing injury, displacement, or death. Organisms must also cope with the abrasive action of the waves, as well as the pressure from the water constantly crashing against the rocky substrate.

Identify Environmental Stresses Related to the Rocky Substrate

The rocky substrate of the intertidal zone also poses challenges for the organisms living there. Many must be able to attach themselves to the rocks in order to avoid being washed away by the waves. Additionally, the structure of the rocks forms microhabitats, like crevices and tide pools, which also create unique environmental stresses due to their limited size and the potential for more extreme conditions.

Competition and Predation

Organisms in the rocky intertidal zone must also cope with competition and predation. Since this environment is harsh and resources can be limited, there is strong competition for space, food, and other resources. Predators are also a constant threat, as many animals come to the intertidal zone to feed, including sea stars, birds, and even humans. In conclusion, organisms living in the rocky intertidal zone are subjected to various environmental stresses, including tidal changes, wave action, the rocky substrate, as well as competition and predation. These organisms must be highly adaptable to survive in such a challenging environment.

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What environmental stresses are organisms living in the rocky intertidal zone subjected to?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Rocky Intertidal Zone

Identify Environmental Stresses Related to Tidal Changes

Identify Environmental Stresses Related to Wave Action

Identify Environmental Stresses Related to the Rocky Substrate

Competition and Predation

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