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INTRODUCTORY TEXT TO THE LESSON The learning objective of this lesson is to study adaptations to life in a rocky marine habitat.
Adaptations are necessary for an organism to survive new conditions.
Adaptations may be structural, competitive, or behavioural. The students and teachers did a qualitative survey of the organisms on the rocky shoreline and looked at how they were adapted to their habitat.
One of the organisms that was observed was the common limpet, which could be said to be the best adapted organism for survival on exposed shorelines. The strong foot muscle attaches the limpet to the rock even under extreme wave pressure, and also traps water to prevent the limpet drying out at low tide.
Another organism observed on the exposed shore at low tide was the barnacle. Barnacles begin life as tiny larvae floating in the sea before they attach to rocks. Barnacles are well adapted for living high in the rocky intertidal for some of the following reasons:
- They are cemented to the rock surface protecting them from heavy wave action.
- They have a protective shell.
- The shell is white and tends to reflect light keeping the inner body cooler.
- They have internal fertilization and brood their young for a short period.
- They can close their shell for long periods of time. This protects them during prolonged periods of bad weather.
- They can “breathe” out of water.
Other organisms observed include britttle stars and sea anemones. As with the others we are shown photographs and film footage of the organisms in the area of natural interest.
