Final answer:
The accurate statements regarding benthic communities along sediment-covered shores are that large numbers of organisms can be buried in sandy shores, finer sediment beaches have gentler slopes with less distinct intertidal zonation, and coarse sandy beaches do not usually have the same tidal zonations as rocky shores.The correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns benthic communities along sediment-covered shores and which statements regarding these communities are true. To answer the question:
- A) In some instances, large numbers of organisms can be found buried in sandy shores. This is true. In the intertidal zone, a variety of organisms have adapted to live in sandy environments, where they can be partly or completely buried in the sand.
- B) Beaches composed of finer sediment have more gentle slopes and show less distinct intertidal zonation as compared to coarser beaches. This is also true. Fine sediment beaches often have a more gradual slope and the zonation tends to be less distinct because the finer particles can be shifted more easily by water movements, making the environment more uniform.
- C) Coarse sandy beaches usually have the same tidal zonations as rocky shores. Coarse sandy beaches may share some characteristics with rocky shores, however, they do not typically have the same distinct tidal zonation, since the substrates and conditions differ, affecting the species distribution and zonation.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) All of the above statements are true.