SCNR SEC II INTERTIDAL

Sunset cliffs regional park is inhabited with many different species. A region that have lots of biodiversity are on the Intertidal. The diversity at the intertidal region that I had observed are mostly water species. First are the Stripe Seashore Crabs. The striped shore crab feeds on films of algae growing on the rocks in tide pools and crevices. They also scavenge on dead animals and at times they eat living prey, such as limpets, snails,and other crabs. In turn, these crabs are eaten by gulls, octopus, rats, raccoons, and even man. Which are all part of the food chain. Second are the California Sea hare, these species are short lived and typically life less than a year. They are hermaphrodites in that they are both male and female. They can reproduce sexually when they encounter other animals. They feed on red algae which contributes to the coloration pigment of the sea hare and enables them to camouflage and blend in to the algae they eat. Third, Western Sea roach are scavengers, and feeds on microscopic algae in the upper-intertidal zone and supra tidal splash zone. Another are the Tuna crabs, they fills an important ecological niche converting primary production into energy that larger organisms can use. They are an important food item for many species of birds, marine mammals and fish. Lastly are the Sea Comb, They are bright red in color with strongly flattened delicately branching fronds. They are considered to be in the family of red algae which are considered food source for many water species.

Posted on June 25, 2016 03:12 AM by inahmarie7