Rocky Shore Info

http://www.ypte.org.uk/environmental/seashore-a-rocky-seashore-ecosystem/98

Seashore life occurs in zones on the shore, according to how tolerant different species are of exposure to air and sunlight. Above the level of the highest tides is the splash zone, strongly affected by salt spray. The upper shore is not covered by every high tide, usually only those of spring tides. Very few species can tolerate the relatively dry conditions of the upper shore. Most seashore animals and plants live in the middle shore, the main area of the shore which is covered and uncovered by every tide. The lower shore is only exposed during the low tides of spring tides, and this is where many delicate species may be found – those that cannot withstand much exposure.
The seaweeds of a rocky shore grow in different areas – zones – depending on their ability out of the water. The animals show a similar zonation, but because they can move around it is not so obvious. Like the plants, the animals are greatly influenced by the tide. Some species live almost as land animals around the high water-mark of spring tides, and others are only briefly exposed to the open air at the low water-mark of spring tides.