Rock Platforms: Intertidal Zone - Grazers
Gastropods, like these limpets, are important predators in the intertidal zone.
When sufficiently wet, the mollusc moves across the substrate, scraping algae off rocks with its rasping tongue.
When would grazing pressure on algae in the intertidal zone be greater?
at low tide
at high tide
try again
No. At low tide limpets are sealed inside their shells and fish are absent from the zone. However, trampling by people is a big problem in many areas. Try again.
Yes. At high tide gastropods emerge and scrape algae off the rocks. Fish swim into the zone to feed as well. (However, there is less trampling by humans.)
