Littoral

The littoral zone is the zone of the sea coast located between the high and low tide levels.

The littoral zone is characterized by strong fluctuations in water levels caused by the ebb and flow of the tides. Twice a day this space is either submerged under water or exposed. Such extreme conditions - periodic drying and flooding - allow only specific organisms adapted to sudden changes in salinity and humidity to survive here.

Typical inhabitants of the littoral zone are algae, mollusks, and crustaceans. They cling tightly to the rocky surface or bury themselves in the ground so as not to be washed away by the waves. Many species have special devices for retaining moisture during low tide - dense shells, water-retaining covers.

The littoral zone is one of the richest marine ecosystems with a huge diversity of life forms. Despite difficult conditions, littoral organisms create stable and productive communities.