Perhaps the most difficult oceanic environments for small organisms to inhabit are:
A) low-energy abyssal plains.
B) high-energy sand and cobble beaches.
C) low-productivity salt marshes.
D) high-productivity rocky intertidal communities.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

High-energy sand and cobble beaches are exposed to strong, constant wave action and tidal currents, making it difficult for small organisms to survive and maintain their position against the force of the water.

Answer: D 
 High-productivity rocky intertidal communities are often exposed to both physical stressors (wave action, desiccation, temperature fluctuations) and biological stressors (predation, competition), which make them challenging environments for small organisms to inhabit.

Perhaps the Most Difficult Oceanic Environments for Small Organisms to Inhabit