Adaptation

Intertidal organisms are well adapted to the extreme environmental condition caused by the tidal cycle. Many intertidal animals are inhabits protected area like burrows or rock crevices to avoid being washed by waves. Other organisms are adapted to attach themselves to the rocks like mussels and barnacles. Desiccation is another problem facing marine organisms in the intertidal zone. Some animals are hiding in their burrows or shady crevices; others can close their shell to avoid drying out. Besides desiccation, intertidal organisms are subject to extreme temperature during summer and winter seasons. Some intertidal organisms have adapted morphologically and behaviourally to a wide range of temperatures. In addition to the unstable salinity value as a result of the tidal cycle in combination with high temperature during the summer period which causes an increase in salinity or freshwater precipitation during the raining season.

The shore crab hides under the rock and between rock crevices to avoid dehydration, predation and wave action.
Barnacles are adapted to attach themselves to the rocks and they close their shell during low tide to reduce water loss from their body.
Ghost crabs dig a deep burrow in the upper part of sandy shores.
Mudskippers are well adapted to the mudflats habitats, they are using their pectoral fins to move out of water during low tide.
The stonefish is hard to recognize because of their ability to camouflage well in their surroundings.
Some gastropods are found in groups to avoid dehydration.
Most polychaetes worms are inhabiting burrow or build tubes in the intertidal zone.

Adaptation

The shore crab hides under the rock and between rock crevices to avoid dehydration, predation and wave action.

Barnacles are adapted to attach themselves to the rocks and they close their shell during low tide to reduce water loss from their body.

Ghost crabs dig a deep burrow in the upper part of sandy shores.

Mudskippers are well adapted to the mudflats habitats, they are using their pectoral fins to move out of water during low tide.

The stonefish is hard to recognize because of their ability to camouflage well in their surroundings.

Some gastropods are found in groups to avoid dehydration.

Most polychaetes worms are inhabiting burrow or build tubes in the intertidal zone.