What type of habitat does a sandy shore represent?

Master your AICE Marine Science Paper 2 Exam. Dive deep into flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each query. Get exam-ready today!

A sandy shore represents an unstable environment characterized by dynamic changes due to factors such as tides, wave action, and sediment movement. This environment is often subject to erosion and constant reshaping, which creates challenges for organisms trying to establish permanent habitats.

The sandy substrate provides limited opportunities for attachment and burrowing compared to more stable environments like rocky shores or coral reefs. As a result, the biodiversity on sandy shores tends to be lower. Organisms that inhabit these areas, such as certain species of crabs, mollusks, and some sea turtles, are typically adapted to the shifting sands and harsh conditions, but the range of species is not as extensive as in more stable ecosystems. Factors like exposure to air and water movement during tides also contribute to the limited variety of life forms that can thrive on sandy shores.

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