Beaches have different vegetation zones. These zones are categorized in terms of how close to the water the plants grow. Some plants like to live on the beach where they have easy access to water. Other plants like to live as deep in the water as they can without missing sunlight.  

Additional diversity is brought by animals that flourish in the different vegetation zones. Animals are attracted to vegetation because it provides them with food and protection. If an area is plant-free, it is likely that fewer animals will live there.

Vegetation zones can be distinguished on all beaches. On shallow beaches, the vegetation zones can be broad. On steep beaches, the vegetation zones take a very narrow form, and some vegetation zones can be completely absent. The vegetation zones are not separated from one another by clear boundaries. Instead, one vegetation zone changes to the next one gradually. The shape of the beach and the quality of its soil also dictate what kinds of plants are found in a certain vegetation zone.

• Beach plants are land plants that like wet conditions. The alder is an example of a beach plant.
• Moving deeper towards the water, the beach plant zone transforms into the zone of aerial shoot plants. The reed is an example of aerial shoot plant.
• When we move deeper into the water, the zone of floating-leaf plants begins. The water lily is an example of a floating-leaf plant.
• The deepest zone is comprised of submerged plants. They grow completely under the water. The perfoliate pondweed is an example of a submerged plant.