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

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

3. 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.

4. Distribution of Benthic and Rocky Shoreline Organisms

5. Communities on Rocky Shores

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

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

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

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

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