By Julia Wilkins (12AWH)

Recently, the Year 12 Biology cohort was lucky enough to travel to Long Bay Regional Park on a beautiful summer day to investigate the community patterns found on the Rocky Shore. Armed with Quadrats and transect lines, we collected data about the distribution of different species found on the rocky shore for the 2.6 Internal.

It was very surprising to see the sheer number of creatures on the rocky shore. Most of us had never really thought about the abundant life that is present on our New Zealand coastlines.

At first glance, the rock shelf appeared barren. However, with a closer look, we discovered that an entire ecosystem of life lies within the extreme conditions of the rocky shore. From barnacles to oysters to seaweeds and snails, tiny organisms with unique adaptations to their environment are scattered throughout the shore. It was fascinating and fun to find and count the different species of plants and animals while dodging rock pools. Sometimes, however, it was quite difficult to tell the similar snails apart!

The trip has enriched our knowledge of the organisms on the rocky shore and the relationships between them. Next time you go to the beach, be sure to look closely at the rocks – you might discover more creatures than you expected.