Rocky Shore Keystone Lab: Exploring the Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems

What is Rocky Shore Ecology?

Rocky shore ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their physical environment in coastal areas with rock formations. These ecosystems are characterized by a wide range of habitats, from splash zones to fully submerged areas, each supporting unique communities of plants and animals.

The simulation showcases how these environments change over time under different conditions, providing insights into the complex dynamics at play.

Starfish as Keystone Species

Starfish are considered keystone species in many rocky shore ecosystems. Their presence or absence can significantly alter community structure and function.

In the simulation, removing starfish leads to a cascade of ecological changes, demonstrating their critical role in maintaining biodiversity.

Tidal Zonation

Tidal zonation refers to the division of rocky shores into distinct zones based on exposure to water levels during different tidal cycles. Each zone supports specific species adapted to its unique conditions.

The simulation illustrates how these zones form and change, offering a visual representation of ecological succession and community composition.

Paine Removal Experiment

Robert Paine conducted experiments in the 1960s that highlighted the importance of keystone species. By removing starfish from experimental plots, he observed dramatic changes in community structure.

The simulation replicates these experiments, allowing users to observe and analyze the ecological impacts of such removals.

Frequently asked questions

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Rocky Shore Keystone Lab: Starfish, Mussel Takeover, Tidal Zonation and the Paine Removal Experiment and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.