Intertidal Zone Concepts and Challenges

Miss Harrington from Research Triangle High School explains the intertidal zone, its importance, and the factors affecting it. The intertidal zone is a crucial part of the marine ecosystem, often visited by tourists and affected by rising sea levels. Abiotic factors like wetness, wave action, and sediment size influence the distribution of organisms. Zonation patterns are determined by abiotic and biotic factors, with upper limits set by stress tolerance and lower limits by competition and predation.

What is the intertidal zone?

• A zone between high tide and low tide lines

• A freshwater lake area

• A deep-sea region

• A desert ecosystem

Why is the intertidal zone economically significant?

• It is a major source of tourist income

• It is a primary fishing area

• It is a location for wind farms

• It is a site for oil drilling

Which factor influences the distribution of species in the intertidal zone?

• Color of the water

• Temperature of the sand

• Amount of time an area is wet or dry

• Presence of freshwater

What makes it challenging for organisms to live closer to the low tide line?

• Increased wave action

• Low oxygen levels

• Lack of sunlight

• High temperatures

How do larger sediments affect organisms in the intertidal zone?

• They are easily washed away

• They increase water temperature

• They decrease oxygen levels

• They provide a stable surface for attachment

What is zonation in the intertidal zone?

• Water depth

• Salinity levels

• Temperature variation

• Distribution patterns of organisms

What determines the upper limits of zones in the intertidal area?

• Presence of predators

• Availability of food

• Tolerance to abiotic stress

• Amount of sunlight

Why is the juvenile stage important in determining zone limits?

• It is the most vulnerable stage

• It is the most mobile stage

• It is the least affected by predators

• It is the longest stage

What biotic factor affects the lower limits of zones?

• Sediment size

• Water temperature

• Wave action

• Competition

How does exposure affect organisms in the intertidal zone?

• Higher nutrient availability

• Increased oxygen levels

• Risk of drying out

• Decreased salinity