top of page

Problems and Adaptations

Wave Action
 
Being exposed to wave action, organisms need to find methods of protection. Most organisms resort to permanent attachment, however some organisms need to move for nutrition. These organisms make a compromise between mobility and attachment. Other organisms protect themselves by living in burrows or finding protected habitats.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Light
 
Sunlight is an abiotic factor influencing rocky shore organisms, this can cause desiccation and/or damage to organisms. As a result, photosynthesisng algae limit their capacity to photosynthesize. Algae can decrease the amount of light absorbed by alternating the photosynthetic pigments produced
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Predators
 
Many rocky shore organisms, including algae are calcified. The primary reason for this is that it makes them more resistant to predation. Another method for protection is the production of chemicals, some of which toxic, making the organisms inedible. Camouflage is also used as an organism blends with its environment making it less conspicuous and therefore less susceptible to predation.
 
 
 
 

Adaptations seen by species inhabiting rocky shores are generally of three types

 

 Structural

 Behavioural

 Physiological

 

​These are usually a result of the harsh conditions present at rocky coasts.

Click on the respective tab for further information on different topics 

All the material found in this website is under copyright of the authors of this site- Daphne Agius, Sephora Debono /www.maltarockybeaches.com /Malta. (2012-2014)

bottom of page