CRITICAL EVALUATION ON THE CAUSES OF BENTHIC ORGANISMS ZONATION ON ROCKY SHORE

Abstract

A critical evaluation of the different zonation systems, and the factors that control the upper and lower limits of distribution of benthic organisms on rocky shores was made. The main zonation systems, the classic, Stephenson & Stephenson. Lewis and the Peres system, are described. It is suggested that the Lewis system with the Portuguese terminology presented by PAULA (1987) be used in papers published in Brazil. The old dogma that littoral zonation is simply a reflection of tidal phenomena, has been substituted by an equally erroneous concept that all can be explained by biotic factors. More than a factor, the zonation of the benthic organisms along the rocky shore, is the result of physical and biological interactions which establish precise limits of distribuition.