The Intertidal Ecology of Selected Localities in the Plymouth Neighbourhood

Abstract

The work includes an investigation of the intertidal distribution of several species previously studied in Cardigan Bay. Twelve localities in the neighbourhood of Plymouth were selected for study, showing a range from conditions of extreme exposure to surf action to conditions of maximum shelter. The main features of rock configuration and surf action at the different localities are briefly described.The method of investigation is described, and results obtained for the zonation of the fucoids on Church Reef are compared with the results of Colman (1933). It concluded that the method of survey adopted in the present work yields results of a high degree of accuracy.The horizontal and vertical distributions of the flora are described and related to the intensity of surf action. This is followed by a discussion of the effects of wave intensity and wave frequency on the distribution of algae in general. The importance of the frequency of wave shock in the mid-tidal region of the shore, and its influence on algal colonization, is stressed. An attempt is made to arrange the algae studied in order of decreasing tolerance of surf.The distribution of the selected species of animals at the different localities is described; and a discussion follows on the effect of wave action as a presence or absence factor in horizontal distribution, and as a modifying factor on vertical zonation. The effect of surf on the size of individuals of certain species is also commented upon.The relation of the plant and animal species to different percentage exposures to the air at different shore levels is discussed.