Species Interactions
Organisms living within the intertidal zone interact directly and indirectly with each other. Species interactions form the basis for ecosystem properties and processes such as nutrient cycling and food webs. The graphic below highlights the many species within the California Intertidal Zone followed by the types of species interactions found within the intertidal zone.
Predator-Prey
An interaction between two organisms of unlike species in which one of them acts as predator that captures and feeds on the other organism that serves as the prey. Animals that live in the intertidal zone have a variety of predators that consume them. When the tide is in, they are preyed upon by sea animals, like fish. When the tide is out, they are preyed upon by land animals including foxes and humans. Birds and marine mammals prey upon intertidal organisms.
Herbivory
Herbivory is eating solely plants, especially living ones. Sea Urchins live in the intertidal zone and prey upon kelp and other plants.
Parasitism
Parasitism is the relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it. An example of this is round worms on fish. Round worms sap
the nutrients from the intestines of fish.
By stealing their nutrients, they steal the fish’s food and are able to
feed themselves. Because the worm
benefits from receiving the food, and the fish suffers, it is an example of
parasitism.
Resource Partitioning
Resource partitioning is the process by which natural selection drives competing species into different patterns of use for food, shelter, or other assets. Chthamalus is a popular example of resource partitioning in the intertidal zone.
Mutualism
Mutualism is the way two organisms of different species exist in a relationship in which each individual benefits. The tortoiseshell limpet & coralline crust algae are an example of mutualism. The limpet gets a constant source of food and a smooth surface to feed from. The algae benefits by having its surface cleaned by the limpet. Without the limpet, the algae would suffocate under debris and faster growing algae would overtake its space.
Commensalism
Commensalism is a relationship between two organisms where one organism benefits without affecting the other. An example of this is a Clown Fish & Sea Anemone, in which it lives among and is unaffected by the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone. The Clown Fish receives protection while the Sea Anemone does not benefit or is affected.