Diversity of macrofauna from the selected intertidal zones of Kerala

Beach ecosystem portrays a strong relationship between abiotic and biotic factors depending on the substratum of the region. In intertidal zone, the substratum plays an important role in the morphology of the zone, faunal composition and distribution. This study observed the intertidal faunal composition, community structure and interaction of abiotic factors in the sandy beach and sandy with rocky outcrop ecosystem. Several studies are available on the biota of intertidal zones in different parts of the world and also in Indian coast. But the information on the community structure, diversity and faunal assemblages of the rocky, sandy and muddy habitats of the Kerala coast especially Kannur and Fort Cochin coasts are deficient. This study made an effort to study the Kannur and Cochin coastal stretches to explore the community structure over there.