Question

The Pacific Blue Mussel lives in the intertidal zone. Name two things the mussel must deal with because they live there and how do they deal with it?

(a) Wave action and predators - They have a strong shell and cling tightly to rocks.
(b) Extreme temperatures and pollution - They can close their shells to retain moisture and filter out pollutants.
(c) Harsh sunlight and lack of oxygen - They burrow into the sand to escape the sun and use gills for oxygen.
(d) Competition for food and strong currents - They extend their feeding siphons and use byssal threads to anchor.

Answer 1

The Pacific Blue Mussel deals with wave action and predators by having a strong shell and clinging to rocks with byssal threads, and with extreme temperatures and pollution by closing its shell to retain moisture and filter out pollutants.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Pacific Blue Mussel, residing in the intertidal zone, is adapted to cope with various environmental challenges. Two major aspects it must deal with are wave action and predators, and extreme temperatures and pollution. To combat the force of waves and the threat of predators, Pacific Blue Mussels possess a strong shell and utilize byssal threads to securely attach themselves to rocks. However, when facing extreme temperatures and the risk of pollution, these mussels have the capability to close their shells tightly to retain moisture and filter out potential pollutants. This allows them to maintain internal stability in spite of fluctuating external conditions. Additionally, mussels and other intertidal organisms are well adapted to varying levels of water and exposure to tidal changes.