eulittoral zone

views updated May 18 2018

eulittoral zone The habitat formed on the lower shore of an aquatic ecosystem, below the littoral zone. In marine ecosystems, it is the main area of the littoral zone lying below the littoral fringe. Barnacles (Balanus and Chthamalus species) are the most characteristic animals on rocky shores, with mussels and oysters also typical; the green algae Enteromorpha and Ulva species are also common. On sandy shores burrowing animals are common, e.g. shrimps, crabs, and polychaete worms (such as the lug worms, Arenicola species).

eulittoral zone

views updated May 21 2018

eulittoral zone In marine ecosystems, the main area of the littoral zone lying below the littoral fringe. Barnacles are the most characteristic animals on rocky shores, with mussels and oysters also typical; the green algae Enteromorpha and Ulva species are also common. On sandy shores burrowing animals are common, e.g. shrimps, crabs, and polychaete worms (such as the lug worms, Arenicola species).

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