Bateu Bay Rockplatfrom Year 11 Task

Abstract:

Aim:

To investigate the Biodiversity of Wonga Point Rock Platform, through the following:
-Examining adaptations of the plants and animals for life of the rock platform
-Measuring abiotic characteristics of the rock platform
-Examining and comparing the richness of species in sub habitats on the rock platform
-Measuring the abundance and distribution of some molluscs and algae on the rock platform

During the investigation we undertook four fieldwork activities such as:
-Investigation of adaptations to life on a rock platform
-Abiotic Factors on and around the rock platform
-Species richness of Sub-habitats on the rock platform
-Distribution and Abundance of Selected Animals and Plants

It was found that the adaptations to life on a rock platform varied through the size, feeding habits and habitats of these plants and animals through the certain needs of the plants and animals.

I concluded that adaptations are a result of the animals and plants needs, to meet with the abiotic features of the environment and the environment itself, this also contributes to the abundance of species.

Introduction:

Rock platforms are rich in biodiversity, mostly distributed as a result of the interactions of abiotic and biotic factors. They are wave eroded and generally flat, inter-tidal areas are usually at the base of rocky headlands. The rock platform hosts a range of microenvironments such as crevices, boulders, rock pools and cobbles to suit different ranges of species.

Some interesting features of the Bateau Bay rock platform were that the different microenvironments hosted an array of different species that may not be in one microenvironment but are in another, such as crabs who were found in crevices and not rock pools. Another interesting feature of the rock platform was that all of the species had a role on the rock platform.

The importance of studying Bateau Bay rock platform was that we were able to physically see adaptations and