Tide Pool Ecology Objectives: Describe the ecology of a tide pool. Describe the abiotic and biotic factors affecting organisms living in a tide pool.

Ecology Terms 2. food chain 3. food web 1. detritus organic matter such as animal wastes and bits of decaying tissue 2. food chain the steps of energy transfer from primary producers through consumers 3. food web all of the interconnecting feeding relationships (chains) in a community

Tide Pools found in the intertidal zone part of the shore between the high and low tide marks. form in depressions in rock when the tide recedes Usually on a flatter bench

Organisms Producers Consumers Algae phytoplankton sea cucumbers urchins small crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) snails eels sculpin and other small fish brittle stars anemones marine worms

What conditions might affect the organisms in the tidepools?

Abiotic factors Temperature 2. Salinity fluctuates greatly throughout the day and year due to the sun's heat and changes in weather/seasons 2. Salinity increases when water evaporates decreases when freshwater rain and runoff enters pools

Biotic factors competition for space (shelter from sun/heat in crevices/caves) competition for food ability to avoid predators

Tide Pool Food Web Have at it! Use 6 different organisms that you found in the tidepools and draw a food web. Label: Producers Levels of consumers Organism (common name and Phylum)