Animals:
* Invertebrates:
* Crabs: From tiny fiddler crabs to massive king crabs, they scurry along the sand, rock pools, and beaches.
* Barnacles: These filter feeders attach themselves to rocks, pilings, and even whales.
* Starfish: These five-armed creatures crawl along the seabed and use their tube feet to pry open clams and mussels.
* Sea anemones: These colorful, flower-like creatures are actually predatory animals with stinging tentacles.
* Sea urchins: These spiny creatures graze on algae and seaweed, and some even burrow into the sand.
* Sea slugs: These brightly colored creatures are fascinating molluscs that come in all shapes and sizes.
* Worms: Many different types of worms live in the sand and mud, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
* Sea snails: From tiny periwinkles to large conch shells, sea snails are found in abundance on the seashore.
* Mussels and Oysters: These filter feeders attach themselves to rocks and other hard surfaces.
* Fish:
* Shore fish: Many fish species live in the shallow waters along the shore, like flounders, sand eels, and gobies.
* Birds:
* Seagulls: These noisy birds are a common sight on the seashore, scavenging for food.
* Sandpipers: These small birds run along the shoreline, pecking at the sand for insects and worms.
* Oystercatchers: These birds have long, orange beaks that they use to pry open oysters and mussels.
* Other:
* Whales: Some whale species, like gray whales, come close to shore to breed and give birth.
* Seals: These mammals often haul themselves onto beaches to rest and give birth.
* Sea turtles: Some sea turtle species nest on beaches, laying their eggs in the sand.
Plants:
* Seaweed: Many types of seaweed, like kelp and rockweed, grow on rocks and in tide pools.
* Seagrass: This underwater grass provides food and shelter for many marine animals.
* Dune grasses: These tough grasses grow on sand dunes and help to stabilize the coastline.
The seashore is a dynamic environment, with constantly changing conditions. The living things that live there have adapted to survive the pounding waves, the salty spray, and the changing tides.
