Hobbies And Interests
Mammals and Birds
The particular species present on a rocky shore will of course differ from country to country and region to region. However, mammals on the marine rocky shore are usually characterized by being better adapted for mobility in the water than on land. Seals, sea lions and sea otters are the principle examples of mammals found in this habitat. The majority of bird species found along the rocky shore, including gulls, skuas and terns, can be characterized by their webbed feet and short, powerful beaks which allow them to scavenge or feed on the tough live prey found along the rocky shore. However, wading birds may also be found if the shore in question also has significant deposits of mud between the rocks. These are generally more delicate than the aforementioned birds, with longer, more slender beaks and legs.
Arthropods
Arthropods are invertebrates that have a tough exoskeleton with jointed sections. There are all kinds of mites and insects living on the rocky shore which fall into this category, but the species which are perhaps most representative of this ecosystem fall into the sub-category of crustaceans. Set apart from other species in the Arthropod phylum by the possession of two parted limbs, these animals include crabs, lobsters, shrimp and barnacles. Though the last in this list may appear to be a kind of shellfish with no limbs at all it is in fact a shrimp-like creature which buries its head in the rock and builds a hard shell around itself from floating matter which it gathers with its back legs.
Mollusks
Mollusks are a phylum of invertebrates characterized by features which are usually invisible to the casual observer, including a peculiar form of nervous system and an inner cavity. Octopuses and certain sea slugs are mollusks and can be found along the rocky shore, though the majority of species found here are hard-shelled snails. These can be double-shelled bivalves such as mussels, though single-shelled, univalve species such as limpets and periwinkles are more common as they are able to grip tightly to the rock with the exposed surface of their large, muscular foot.
Echinoderm
These generally star-shaped invertebrates are most commonly recognized as sea stars or star fish. Brittle stars, the spiny cousins of the sea star can also be found in this ecosystem. Along the rocky shore these creatures are usually found in rock pools though their surprising mobility allows them to move out of water for short periods of time. Echinoderms are remarkable for their ability to regenerate lost limbs and even for detached limbs to grow into entirely new individuals.