Rocky Shores explores the species, communities and landscape of the narrow strip of land surrounding much of the British Isles. While it may be limited in extent, this habitat is incredibly biodiverse, and this insightful book details all the patterns of marine life that might be encountered on sheltered and exposed shores, from the inhospitable splash zone to the repeatedly submerged lower shore, and everything in between. Comprehensive chapters accompanied by exceptional photographs cover various members of the rocky-shore community in turn: striking lichens that colourfully adorn the rocks; seaweeds that have sustained human settlements for millennia; mysterious and often spectacular worms and their relatives; molluscs with variously configured shells; spiny-skinned echinoderms that move using tube feet; arthropods that range from tiny marine insects to heavy-clawed crabs; and microscopic species that drift around at the mercy of the tides. Rock pools provide pockets of diversity dotted across the shore, while the strandline at the high-tide mark supports a unique assemblage of microbes and invertebrates that attracts a variety of birds and mammals. For anyone with a love of the shore – from the occasional rockpooler to avid naturalists – this book is a must for your collection.
Rocky Shores explores the species, communities and landscape of the narrow strip of land along our coastline. Limited in extent it may be, but no other habitat in Britain is as extreme and dynamic. As the tide ebbs and flows, physical and chemical conditions can alter dramatically in a matter of minutes, yet an impressive number of life forms have adapted and even thrive in these challenging conditions. Rock pools dotted across the shore contain unique pockets of diversity, while the strandline at the high-tide mark supports a curious community of microbes and invertebrates that in turn attract birds and mammals. John Archer-Thomson and Julian Cremona gently guide the reader through the patterns of marine biodiversity that might be encountered on sheltered and exposed shores: from the inhospitable 'splash zone' to the repeatedly submerged lower shore, and everything in between. In addition to the ecology, there is also much to be said about our cultural and historical links with the shore, and the authors also reflect on what the future may hold for this beautiful but vulnerable coastal ecosystem. Filled with stunning photographs of rocky shores and their extraordinary inhabitants, this book will appeal to anyone with a love of the shore – from the occasional 'rockpooler' through to enthusiastic naturalist.
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