Tidal zones notes ppt
- 1. Life in the Tidal Zone Survival!
- 2. 2 Major ecological concepts are in effect: Competition For Space For Resources (food, water, space…) Adaptations To prevent desiccation (drying out) To anchor themselves To protect themselves
- 3. Tidal Zone Adaptation Tidal habitats change daily with the tides, so organisms adapt, or adjust to changing environmental conditions with special features to: Avoid drying out Protect themselves from predators Anchor themselves to resist waves Limpets shape their shells to fit a specific rock: effective seal against water loss Tube feet of sea star used for locomotion and suction/anchorage Hermit crab hiding in it’s scavenged shell Pipefish well camouflaged in eelgrass bed
- 4. Types of Tidal Habitats Sandy Beaches and Mud Flats Rocky Shores Different tidal habitats require different adaptations • Substrate offers lots of nutrients, but little structure for attachment • Animals bury themselves in mud • Can also attach to plants • Little protection from strong waves: animals must anchor • Complex tide pools possible • Seaweeds offer protection from drying
- 5. Tidal Zones Splash Zone High Tide Zone Middle Tide Zone Low Tide Zone Zones affected daily by changing tides Adaptations are required to avoid drying out, wave action and predators Intertidal Zone High, Mid and Low Tidal habitats are divided into zones based on relative beach location and how often they are covered by water Tides are controlled by moon’s gravity pulling on the ocean.
- 6. High on beach Out of water most of the time Species must tolerate salt, heat, cold, and extended dry periods Adaptation example: Barnacles and algae are most tolerant to desiccation (drying out) Splash Zone
- 7. Splash Zone LifeSplash Zone Life Amphipods Periwinkles Isopods Blue-Green Algae Lichen
- 8. Increased wave action Tide pools provide some protection Adaptations include ability to survive exposure to air without drying out and to survive wave action. Adaptation example: Anemones survive wave action by attaching themselves to the sheltered side of large rocks High Tide Zone
- 9. High Tide Zone LifeHigh Tide Zone Life Acorn BarnaclesLimpets Shore Crab Rockweed Anemones Hermit Crabs Black Turban Snails
- 10. Most active region Covered and uncovered twice a day Life must tolerate BOTH submersion in water and exposure to air Animals move in and out of adjacent zones to feed Adaptation example: The tube feet of an ochre sea star allow it to suction on to surfaces Middle Tide Zone
- 11. Middle Tide Zone LifeMiddle Tide Zone Life Gooseneck barnacles Ochre sea star Sea palmsAnemones California mussels Black leather chitons Click here for a quick video!
- 12. Most food and shelter Most diversity of organisms compared to other zones Less exposure to air and heat – under water for a lot of the time Animals unable to exist in other zones because they will dry out Adaptation example: Anemones have tentacles that inject a paralyzing neurotoxin when touched Low Tide Zone (Subtidal zone)
- 13. Low Tide Zone LifeLow Tide Zone Life Nudibranch (sea slug) Kelp crabs Gumboot Chiton Purple sea urchin Giant Green Sea Anemone Coralline algae Bull kelp
- 14. Summary Exposure to Water Most time Each zone requires unique adaptations for survival Splash Zone High Tide Zone Middle Tide Zone Low Tide Zone
- 17. What is an Estuary? An estuary is a semi-enclosed body of water where freshwater meeting and mixes with saltwater.