Subtidal Rocky Reefs

Question

Subtidal rocky reefs
A) Tend to be dominated by solitary animal species, such as barnacles
B) Have faunas that are very similar to the fauna of rocky shores
C) Contain very homogeneous assemblages of invertebrates
D) Are usually dominated by colonial invertebrates

Accepted Answer

Subtidal rocky reefs are typically dominated by colonial invertebrates rather than solitary animals. This is because colonial invertebrates, such as corals and bryozoans, are well-adapted to the stable conditions found below the low tide mark, allowing them to outcompete solitary species for space and resources.