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The Mudflat Ecosystem

Mudflat ecosystems exist on coastal water edges. Also called tidal or intertidal mudflats, these ecosystems are underwater during high tide and exposed to the air during low tide. They are often found near salt marshes.

Creation
- Ocean tides erode shorelines, carrying the eroded sentiment to a new location.
  
  A mudflat is created by ocean tides which erode shorelines and then drop the sediment in a new location. This buildup of sentiment causes the flat, muddy environment that gives this ecosystem its name.
Plants
- Most plants cannot survive in a mudflat because of the constant tides. Microscopic algae is abundant, and a few hardy plants or plants that are able to take root in mud, such as eelgrass, can also be found.
Small Animals
- Worms living in the mudflats create the lumps of mud seen here.
  
  Most animals living in the mudflat ecosystem burrow into the sentiment to avoid being swept away by tides and to hide from predators. Animals living in mudflats include microscopic invertebrates, mollusks, crustaceans, snails and worms. These animals are mostly filter or deposit feeders.
Predators
- Birds like this pelican often feed on mudflats during low tides.
  
  Though no large animals live in mudflats, many prey on the animals who do. During high tides, sharks, bat rays and some fish, such as flounder, all may swim into the mudflats to feed. During low tide, birds often land to feed on the mollusks and crustaceans, and occasionally small animals, such as raccoons, will venture onto the flats to find food.

Nature