Consequently, vertical littoral zonation is a consistent pattern at a regional scale within the same biogeographical zone. While their distribution varies at the same shore height, marine species and assemblages from rocky shores show a specific vertical sequence known as zonation.

How does vertical zonation occur?

This vertical zonation in Rocky Mountain vegetation is generally attributed to environmental factors including temperature and moisture level. Nowhere is this pattern of vertical zonation more pronounced or seen in such a small area, however, than in the rocky intertidal zone.

What is vertical zonation?

Vertical zonation, the occurrence of dominant species in distinct horizontal bands, is a nearly universal feature of the intertidal zone, but many localities do not "obey" the rules. Different assemblages occur in protected and waveswept waters in the same area.