mid intertidal zone

Mussels grow quickly and they have the ability to densely colonize an area in a short period of time. How fast are they? They are so fast that they can outcompete barnacles for space, which is what you see happening in the image above. Mussels must survive the same stresses that barnacles experience. Can you list these stresses? The mussel is able to close its shell tightly to prevent dessication. It also uses water trapped inside it's shell for breathing and for cooling and insulating during temperature extremes.

Did you know...
Mussels are bioengineers. They modify the surrounding environment just by going about their usual lifestyle. They slow down the water flow over the mid-intertidal area, trapping sediment that may be suspended in the water. Mussel beds can prevent erosion of the rocky shore. These beds also create a habitat for encrusting algae and animals. Small, mobile animals like shrimp and amphipods live between and under mussel beds.

Maine Map