Constant salinity in the subjected seawater is crucial. This is due to the effects of osmosis. Osmosis is the transfer of water from a higher concentration to a lower one though the means of a permeable membrane. This permeable membrane only diffuses smaller molecules. In the case of osmosis, the chosen liquid is water.
When a larger and polar molecule is introduced on one side of the system, the polar water molecules form intermolecular bonds. Therefore, free water molecules are reduced which forms a concentration gradient.
A crucial adaption in barnacles is the ability to store water for times of desiccation. This adaptation primarily relies of osmosis to maintain concentration gradient which negates the effects of osmosis from diffusing the water out of the shell. Losses in salinity can cause major disruption. Since there is less salt, a stable concentration gradient will not be maintained. This will result in definite desiccation and death. …show more content…
For example, the acorn barnacles do not benefit from higher tidal action. The Gooseneck barnacle though predominantly depends upon wave action to obtain their nutrients. Due to this, gooseneck barnacles will usually be associated with lower tidal zones. Tidal action also introduces plankton to the ecosystem. The amount and level of tides a day influences an organism heavily. The introduction stated that the tides differentiate the different strata within a common environment. Therefore, tidal action is an ecological factor which aids it in completing its