15.12: Communities on Sandy Beach Shores

Communities on Sandy Beach Shores

* Sandy Beach Intertidal Zone
• No stable, fixed surface
• Burrowing provides more stable environment
• Less risk of temperature extremes and drying out

Figure 15.62. Mussels on an isolated rock on a sandy beach.

Burrowing invertebrates include: Mollusks (with a soft body, hard shell—most, not all)
(clams and mussels most common); Worms (annelids) and Sand Crabs.

Figure 15.63. Most sandy beaches appear deceivingly barren of marine life.