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Intertidal Species Diversity - The Ecological Importance

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Intertidal Species Diversity - The Ecological Importance

The ecological importance of intertidal rocky shores

Whenever the water meets the land, rocky beaches may be discovered. They are home to a wide
range of plants and animals that have evolved to withstand the extreme circumstances of this particular
environment. Along Queensland's exposed coast, frequent wave action and the rising and falling of the
tides may create hazardous living conditions for those who choose to live there. While waves may be a
problem for animals and plants on rocky beaches in other places such as estuaries, the protected side of
the vast sand islands, and the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, they are less of a problem in other areas
(Underwood & Chapman, 1995). Rock beaches are essential fish nurseries, as well as roosting and
feeding places for birds, in addition to being home to a diverse range of unique flora and animals. Along
with the algal beds that are usually associated with them, they also contribute to the stabilization of
inshore sediments.

Factors Influencing Habitat and Invertebrate Diversity on Intertidal Rocky Shores

Of the numerous variables that affect the ecosystems, plants, and animals on the intertidal rocky
beaches, energy forces (mostly in the form of wave energy) and tide inundation are two that are
particularly important. In addition to rock composition, which may influence how the rock breaks down
into smaller components on rocky beaches, another element or characteristic affecting rocky shores is
wave action (e.g. boulders, cobbles, pebbles, gravel etc.).

Waves

During a cross-ocean windstorm, the sea surface is distorted, creating peaks and troughs that
seem to move in the shape of waves. While surfing on the Queensland's exposed southern coast, waves
may travel a long distance and collect enough energy to become very big in size (Edgar, 2001). Waves
crash on rocky beaches, and the plants and animals that live in these areas have been used to being
battered by the waves. Animals take advantage of the splash zone created by stronger waves on a rocky
shoreline where waves are more intense.

Waves are usually smaller and more moderate in bays and estuaries, on the protected side of
major islands (such as Fraser, Moreton, and Stradbroke Island), and inside the sheltered seas of the Great
Barrier Reef lagoon. With less wave splash and more tidal inundation, the intertidal zone is primarily
affected by the tides. The formation of waves may also be triggered by major storm events such as
cyclones and east coast lows, which are exceptions to the norm for rocky coastlines with high and low
energy, respectively.

Tides

The rise and fall of the tide is one of the most important elements influencing life on rocky
beaches. When the tide recedes, plants and animals on rocky outcrops are exposed to the elements. They
will have to evolve unique adaptations in order to live till the tide flows back in. When high tides aren't
very large, plants and animals that dwell high on the shoreline may be exposed to the elements for a
period of time. Organisms that dwell at or near the water's edge may only be exposed to the air on rare
occasions. Tides may also serve as a source of energy throughout the tidal cycle, such as during tidal ebb
or flow, when the water is rushing away from or towards the coast, or when the water is rushing towards
the shoreline.
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References

Edgar, G. J. (2001). Australian Marine Habitats in Temperate Waters.

Underwood, A.J., & Chapman, M.G. (1995). Rocky Shores. In: A.J. Underwood & M.G. Chapman
(Eds.), Coastal Marine Ecology of temperate Australia (pp. 55-82). Sydney: UNSW Press.