Download Intertidal zone ~ Biome Extension

Intertidal zone ~ Biome Extension
1. Distributions:
For almost all organisms in the intertidal zones, the distribution is clumped around the
tide pools. This applies to starfish, muscles and sea anemones. They do this because the tide pool
is rich in nutrients and provides some protection during low tide. Exceptions to this include
crabs, hermit crabs and isopods. Their distribution is nearly random as they are mainly found
under rocks.
Density Dependant:
Size of tide pool
Amount of pools
Water level
Over reproduction
Over predation
Disease
Density Independent:
Weather
Pollution from humans
The tide cycles
Organisms being separated and preventing reproduction
3. Reproduction type
Mussels
They are K selected populations because they produce a
lot of offspring due to threats of predators, so it is an attempt to
not have them all die before reproduction.
Sea stars
They are K selected populations because they produce
many eggs. They lay over two millions eggs at one time and
most of them hatch but few survive because they grow on
plankton which is a popular food source for many sea-dwelling
organisms.
Hermit Crabs
They are also K selected populations because of their
mass spawning on beaches. The eggs are then carried out to the
ocean by waves, where they hatch.
4. Symbiosis
Commensalism- an organism living with, on, or in another organism without injury to either
itself or the other organism.
An example of this in an intertidal zone is sponges and crustaceans.
Mutualism-a relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit from the
association.
An example of this is cleaner shrimp fish and fungal growth.
Parasitism-a relationship between organisms in which one lives as a parasite and harms the
other organism.
An example of this is round worms on fish.
5.
Batesian Mimicry – resemblance of a harmless species of a species that is avoided by predators.
An example, though not in our biome, is the king snake.
Cryptic Coloration-a color that conceals or disguises an organism’s shape.
In our biome, shellfish use this.
Deceptive Markings – markings that trick predators.
Mollusks use this.
Mullerian Mimicry – resemblance of two or more unpalatable species which are avoided more
than one the species.
Flatworms mimic sponges to avoid predators.