... pH, dissolved oxygen, and food supply that occur on a daily basis due to the movement of the tides. This distribution pattern of different species along the shore is referred to as vertical, or intertidal, zonation. Typically, physical stresses (abiotic) set upper boundaries and biological stresses (competition, predation etc.(biotic)) set lower boundaries (Little, et al 1996). The size and species composition of the intertidal will vary with degree of exposure. Large waves increase the size of the supralittoral ("splash") zone, and allow species to live higher in the intertidal. High levels of wave action also select for certain species and morphologies that can withstand the large forces without being ripped off of the rocks. The following is a brief overview of physical and biological characteristics of different regions in the intertidal zone. , and amount of The size of this zone depends on slope, splash, climate, and amount of shade. This zone ...

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