Which of the following would be a good adaptation for an organism that lives in the intertidal zone?

• A. Ability to tolerate both exposure to air and submersion in water
• B. Thick fur for insulation against cold temperatures
• C. Specialized enzymes for digesting cellulose in grass
• D. Large leaves to maximize photosynthesis in dense forests

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the intertidal zone: The intertidal zone is the area of the shoreline that is exposed to air during low tide and submerged in water during high tide. Organisms living here must adapt to fluctuating conditions such as changes in moisture, temperature, and salinity.
2. Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each adaptation in the context of the intertidal zone. For example, thick fur for insulation is more relevant to cold climates, not the intertidal zone. Similarly, specialized enzymes for digesting cellulose are adaptations for herbivores consuming grass, which is unrelated to the intertidal environment.
3. Focus on the correct adaptation: The ability to tolerate both exposure to air and submersion in water is a critical adaptation for intertidal organisms. This allows them to survive during low tide when they are exposed to air and during high tide when they are submerged in water.
4. Consider examples of intertidal organisms: Many intertidal organisms, such as barnacles, mussels, and crabs, have adaptations like tough shells to prevent desiccation during air exposure and mechanisms to handle changes in salinity and temperature.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Based on the environmental challenges of the intertidal zone, the correct adaptation is the ability to tolerate both exposure to air and submersion in water, as this directly addresses the fluctuating conditions of the habitat.