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Desiccation and Air Temperature
Environmental Factors

Intertidal animals that occur above low-tide level have differing abilities to cope with being dried out by the sun. Some molluscs use a muscular foot to clamp down onto a rock, holding in moisture. Other molluscs have operculums, which are lids that accurately fit their shell aperture, holding in precious water. Many creatures that are able to move seek shelter from the sun under rocks or algal fronds, or in crevices, burrows, or rock pools. Desiccation is probably the major environmental problem that must be solved by intertidal organisms.

Graphic of the Desiccating Effects of the sun

References

Bennett, I. (1987) W. J. Dakin's classic study: Australian Seashores. p. 3-12, Angus & Robertson, Sydney.

Davey, K. (1998) A Photographic Guide to Seashore Life of Australia. p.8, New Holland, Sydney.

 

Environmental Factors
Latitude
Currents
Wind Effects
Wave Strength
Tidal Effects
Desiccation
Substrate
Turbidity
Salinity

Home Page
 Taxonomy
Biogeography
Rocky Shores
Tidal Levels
Intertidal Zonation
Environmental Factors
 Biological Factors
Feeding Relationships
Activities
Glossary
References

 

 

photo of Keith DaveyLife on Australian Seashores
by Keith Davey (C) 2000
Learning Consultant - Media
The University of Newcastle
email at australian_seashores@hotmail.com

Scientific Consultant: Phil Colman
site created 01.01.98 : updated 01.04.2000