Marine Ecosystems - 4156 Words

Rocky Shore Ecosystems- Point Cartwright Nicolas Cuny 11B Mr. Nisbett Due Date: 03/09/2010 Introduction: On the 23rd of August, the three biology classes or grade 11 at Redlands College visited the rocky shore ecosystems at Point Cartwright in Queensland. Two different types of rocky shore ecosystem were examined, the rock pool area, and the boulder area. We first examined areas within the rock pool area. The rock pool area has several specific features which set it apart from other rocky shore ecosystems, including its geological makeup and position. It is made up of a flat platform of rock pockmarked with numerous rock pools; indents in the rocks which are filled with water and contain†¦show more content†¦Sea anemones feed from the surrounding water by catching small micro-organisms in their tentacles. For this reason, anemones need constant water to survive which is why none were observed in the boulder area as an area with constant water cannot be guaranteed. Sand is another factor which is present in the boulder area, but not in the rock pools. Sea cucumbers were thriving closer to the low tide mark in the boulder area, yet none were observed in the rock pool area. Sea cucumbers are almost always found laying spread out across the sand, with their feeding tubes out, browsing along the sand bed. This is the feeding habit of the sea cucumber and it would not be able to carry out this habit without the presence of sand. It is shown time and time again by the presence and habits of specific organisms in each area that the abiotic factors of each area affect the ability for an organism to survive in that system. See next page for transect table taken at Point Cartwright boulder area. (TRANSECT TABLE INSERT HERE!) Figure 1: Green Algae Percentage of Algae Cover (%) Metres from shore (M) Figure 2: Limpets Number of Limpets in Sector Metres from Shore (M) As seen in figure one, percentage of cover of green algae in each transect sector decreased the further from shore we travelled, and closer to the low tide mark. This is a clear example of an organism’s ability to thrive depending on its position in the boulder area. ThisShow MoreRelatedMarine Ecosystem1607 Words   |  7 Pagesviews on global warming, the fact remains that humans have an impact on the marine ecosystems through waste from chemicals and debris polluting this vast renewable resource. Based upon current scientific evidence, emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are projected to cause significant global climate change during the 21st century. 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