Rocky Shore Investigation

            Shortly after investigating the mangrove ecosystem, the bus took us to the rocky shore, where we were able to explore the beach. The rocky shore was surrounded by jagged rocks, with intense sunlight. We measured the wave frequency per minute using a timer, and the wind was blowing on the direction of north east. The temperature of the ecosystem was measured using a thermometer, and the result was 31 degrees Celsius. In addition to the abiotic factor, the biotic factor was also measured by determining the slope of the rocky shore, as the ecosystem of the rocky shore isn’t flat. Quadrats were then laid and the abundance of the organism was counted.

            We worked at a side where the waves crashed against the rock. The ocean near the shore had nothing much to offer. On the other hand, the organisms teemed the rocks that the waves crashed against. Barnacles, in all sizes and shapes were especially numerous and populated the rocks. Even when the waves crashed against the rocks, the barnacles held on, and was actually great in numbers near the waves compared to rocks that wasn’t anywhere near the ocean. In this ecosystem, human interaction has impacted it. There was a pathway towards the rocky shore, and several boats floating near the rocky shore. These may have affected the distribution of organisms in this ecosystem.

Figure 1: Kite Diagram of the Biotic Factors in Rocky Shore

            Figure 1 shows the kite diagram made using the abundance of the organisms in this ecosystem. 5 quadrat was laid after the slope of the rocky shore has been measured. Barnacles were heavily populating the rocks near the ocean waves, which is signified by the large kite on quadrat 1 and 2 for barnacles on the kite diagram. Periwinkles on the other hand, were greater in numbers on quadrat 4, where it was pretty high up compared to the quadrat where barnacles were numerous. There were a few to none limpets around, as the area was heavily populated by the barnacles. Barnacles are able to clamp themselves onto the rocks, even strong enough to resist the force of the waves crashing the rocks. These adaptation allowed them to flourish where other organisms can’t.  

On a semi-unrelated-note:

Biology HL students gathering for a photo :)