Final answer:
Plants with thick leaves are adapted to survive in the high tidal zone due to lower water availability and the need for protection against desiccation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plants with thick leaves are more likely to be found in the high tidal zone. The high tidal zone experiences longer periods of exposure to air and less frequent submersion in water compared to the low tidal zone. As a result, plants in the high tidal zone have adapted to survive with lower water availability by developing thicker leaves, which help reduce water loss and protect against desiccation (drying out). In contrast, the low tidal zone has more regular water coverage, which does not necessitate the same adaptations for water conservation.