Marine Biology Diaz de Leon Homework #8 due : f9

Intertidal (rocky & soft bottom)

Vocabulary:

littoral zone emersion immersion vertical zonation

desiccation infauna ecological succession

epifauna interstitial meiofauna keystone predators

settlement recruitment

competitive exclusion

1. What are the common traits of meiofauna spp? How does this relate to convergence?

2. Who are the "temporary meiofauna"?

3. Compare and contrast the environments of the open coast sandy beach and a mudflat. What animals might you expect to find in each? Why aren't there many seaweeds in either?

4. What factors, biotic & abiotic, determine vertical zonation in the rocky intertidal and how? Be CLEAR on the distinction between biotic and abiotic.

5. What special adaptations (give examples) do specific intertidal organisms have to survive in this environment?

6. What environmental factors are important to intertidal areas?