Benthic and Rocky Shore Environments 7/1/2018 © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Ocean Life Zones Bio-zones Pelagic (Water) Benthic (Bottom) The Rocky Shore is found in the Neritic, Supra and Sub littoral zones

Distribution of Benthic/Rocky Shoreline Organisms Benthic (ocean bottom dwelling) organisms live mainly on continental shelves. Their distribution is affected by surface and deep ocean currents.

Distribution of Benthic and Rocky Shoreline Organisms

Communities on Rocky Shores

Tidal Zonation Rocky shore: Spray Zone Intertidal Zone (MTZ) (high tide to low tide) Sub Low Tide Zone

Spray Zone Supratidal Zone Organisms Avoid drying out Many animals have shells Few species of marine algae

Intertidal Zone Organisms High Tide Zone Animals have shells to avoid drying out Marine algae—rock weeds with thick cell walls

Intertidal Zone Organisms Middle tide zone More types of marine algae (sea weed) Soft-bodied animals

Intertidal Zone Organisms Low Tide zone Abundant algae Many animals hidden by sea weed and sea grass Crabs abundant in all intertidal zones