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.