Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the abiotic factors important at the rocky shore?
What are the abiotic factors important at the rocky shore?
What are the biotic factors important at the rocky shore?
What are the biotic factors important at the rocky shore?
What do epifauna organisms do?
What do epifauna organisms do?
What are infauna organisms?
What are infauna organisms?
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What is the subtidal zone?
What is the subtidal zone?
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How does Spartina accrue sediment from the sediment transported with the currents?
How does Spartina accrue sediment from the sediment transported with the currents?
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What is the mechanism through which Spartina accrues sediment?
What is the mechanism through which Spartina accrues sediment?
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Why is Spartina effective in accruing sediment?
Why is Spartina effective in accruing sediment?
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Study Notes
Abiotic Factors at the Rocky Shore
- Temperature: Fluctuations can affect species distribution and metabolic rates.
- Salinity: Varies due to tides and freshwater influx, influencing organism survival.
- Wave Action: Impacts habitat structure and the types of organisms that can thrive.
- Substrate Type: Rock, sand, or mud influences species composition and attachment.
- Light Availability: Affects photosynthesis in primary producers like algae.
Biotic Factors at the Rocky Shore
- Competition: Organisms compete for space, food, and resources.
- Predation: Prey-predator relationships shape population dynamics and ecosystem balance.
- Species Diversity: Numerous species coexist, contributing to ecological resilience.
- Symbiotic Relationships: Partnerships between species for mutual benefit, e.g., algae and fungi.
Epifauna Organisms
- Organisms that live on the surface of the substrate in marine environments.
- Often include various crustaceans, sea stars, and algae.
- Play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and the food web of rocky shore ecosystems.
Infauna Organisms
- Organisms that burrow into the sediment, such as clams and polychaete worms.
- Enhance sediment structure and help in nutrient recycling through their activities.
Subtidal Zone
- Area located below the low tide line, usually submerged and unaffected by tidal fluctuations.
- Hosts a diverse range of marine life, including kelp forests and various fish species.
Spartina and Sediment Accumulation
- Spartina, a genus of cordgrass, can effectively trap sediment transported by currents.
- Its dense root system and above-ground structures slow water flow, allowing sediment to settle.
Mechanism of Sediment Accrual by Spartina
- The plant's growth forms a physical barrier that reduces water velocity.
- Slowed currents lead to sediment deposition in the vicinity of the plants.
Effectiveness of Spartina in Accruing Sediment
- High grass density enhances sediment trapping capabilities.
- Its extensive root system stabilizes sediment, preventing erosion and creating habitats for other species.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the rocky intertidal zones with this study sheet for MRNE 110 FA23. Identify the low, middle, and upper zones exposed during low tide and determine whether the subtidal zone is part of the intertidal environment. Master the distinctions between intertidal and subtidal zones in this quiz.
