strand and foredune, central dunes, and hinddune. Included are 

 beachgrass, lupine, evening primrose, thistle, and rush. A number of 

 animal species were found to build up large populations, although 

 species diversity was low in the area. Sand crabs, arthropods, insects, 

 and some species of birds are discussed. 



The mudflat (and sandflat) community is described as habitat in 

 chapter 5. Mudflats are considered to be extremely productive. The 

 surface and subsurface mud contains an abundant population of small 

 plants (mainly diatoms). At lower levels, extensive beds of eelgrass 

 occur. The marsh is found to contribute much food. It is therefore 

 concluded that the mudflat gives more energy to the rest of the 

 world ecosystem than it receives. When the tide comes in, it brings 

 food to the mudflat animals, and also brings in animals that feed on 

 both animals and plants. When the tide goes out, the inhabitants 

 are exposed to another group of predators and herbivores and to the 

 drying action of air. Burrowing is found to ameliorate these 

 conditions somewhat. 



Plant and animal zonation of organisms and communities are discussed 

 in terms of four zones. Plants tabulated include salt grass, pickleweed, 

 bulrush, arrow grass, and jaumia. Animals are less conspicuous, but 

 include burrowing shorecrabs and other small crustaceans, gastropods, 

 etc. Nonresident vertebrates (birds and fishes) and insects are also 

 discussed, along with community structure in the mudflat ecosystem. 

 (G.S.) 



Keywords: salt marshes, halophytes, freshwater marsh, freshwater 



plants, wildlife, habitat, mudflat communities, California 



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