British Columbia's Intertidal Zone

Megan Marziali P:7 January 31st, 2012 Mr. Bentley

British Columbia's intertidal zone is a marine habitat that thrives with different organisms. The intertidal zone is made up of three parts: the supra-littoral zone, the mid-littoral zone, and the low-littoral zone. The supra-littoral zone is the habitat to animals, such as limpets, who have become adapted to a drier environment (because this zone is only covered by water at high tide). The mid-littoral zone is one of the busiest zones, and is home to organisms such as mussels and sea stars. Finally, there is the lowlittoral zone, which is covered by water, and is home to sponges and crabs. One of the many marine organisms that lives in B.C.'s intertidal zone is the Strongylocentrotus franciscanus. Commonly known as the red sea urchin, this animal belongs to the phylum Echinodermata, and the class Echinoidea. A sea urchin has a spherical body, which is encased in a test (a hard shell). On this shell grows many sharp spikes, which can reach a length of 8cm. Underneath of their shell, they have a mouth, consisting of five teeth, specialized for eating plant material (such as kelp, or seaweed). Their habitat is in the low tidal zone, up to 90 metres, composed of a rocky ground. Red sea urchins have many adaptations to their environments. First of all, they can rebuild their spikes if they are ripped off or injured. Sea urchins are also touch-sensitive, and will react by facing all their spikes towards the area that is being poked. Fishermen need a special licence to catch these urchins, and are allowed no more than twelve a day. Another animal living in the British Columbian intertidal zone is the Anthopleura xanthogrammica. This creature is commonly known as the giant green anemone, and is part of the class anthozoa in the phylum cnidaria. These anemones can be found in tide pools, or any rocky and sandy ground, with water no deeper than 30cm. These anemones have nematocysts, which they use to paralyze prey, such as mussels, crabs, sea urchins, and small fish. The anemone has only one opening, so it eats and excretes through the same opening. The column of this animal is 17.5 to 30cm, which is covered with tentacles that appear to be short and rounded. The bright green colour of this anemone originates from the algae that grows in its' tissues.

In conclusion, there are many different organisms that live in British Columbia's intertidal zone. From algae to sea stars, there are many interesting species to study in this particular marine habitat. As we learn more and more about this zone and the species it harbours, we can aim to protect the biodiversity of this marine habitat.

Bibliography http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/publications/uww-msm/articles/urchin-oursin-eng.htm "Anthopleura xanthogrammica." Race Rocks Ecological Reserve/Marine Protected Area. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2012. <http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/eco/taxalab/2005/anthopleurax/anthopleurax.htm>. "Anthopleura xanthogrammica - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthopleura_xanthogrammica>. Enforcement, law. "Intertidal Zonation." Capital Regional District. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2012. <http://www.crd.bc.ca/watersheds/ecosystems/intertidalzonation.htm>. "OceanLink | Biodiversity - the intertidal." OceanLink | Marine Sciences Education and Fun. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2012. <http://oceanlink.info/biodiversity/intertidal/intertidal.html>. "Red sea urchin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_sea_urchin>.