| HOW TO USE THE GUIDEBOOK |
| We
recognise only two shore zones in this work - supralittoral
and littoral. We have also omitted any classification of the various regions in the littoral zone because some experience is needed before one is able to identify these. The classification itself can often be rather subjective. Therefore, this zone is taken as a whole. We have in most cases, used only the genus names for the various organisms that are described. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, many of the organisms are still insufficiently studied to be more precise. Secondly, readers may erroneously use these names for animals and plants that seem to resemble those illustrated in the book. To the beginner, the animals of the shore present a bewildering array of forms which do not lend themselves to be readily identified. Many appear to resemble each other but are in reality very different, that any would-be biologist could be easily confused. Worms for example, belong to at least five separate phyla. The description of the shore organisms are arranged in the order of increasing organismal complexity—from algae to flowering plants and from protozoa to vertebrates. Some special communities and relationships which visitors to the shore are likely to encounter are also described. There are also separate sections for dangerous animals and special relationships. All photos by the authors unless otherwise indicated (place mouse over photo for credits). Other photos by Tan Bee Hong, Johari, Kang Nee, Tan Hong Kim, Wee Yeow Chin, K. Sagathevan, P. Gopalakrishnakone. |
Introduction Shore environment |
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From A Guide to Seashore Life by Dr Leo W H Tan and Peter K L Ng Published by the Singapore Science Centre and sponsored by BP @Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and Singapore Science Centre |
