rockdwelling

Rockdwelling describes the habit of living on, within, or on the surface of rocks. In biology, organisms that spend most of their life cycle on rocks are called saxicolous or lithophilic. Rock habitats occur in both terrestrial environments, such as cliff faces and rocky outcrops, and marine settings, including intertidal shores and subtidal outcrops. On a larger scale, the term also applies to human use of rock as shelter, such as caves and rock-cut dwellings.

Habitats are characterized by microclimates: crevices provide moisture and shade, while rock surfaces expose to sun and wind. Lithophilic organisms include lichens, mosses, and algae that colonize bare rock; invertebrates such as mites, crustaceans, and snails; and vertebrates like lizards and some birds that use crevices for shelter and hunting perches. In marine environments, barnacles, limpets, and encrusting bryozoans attach to rock, while endolithic bacteria live inside rock.

Adaptations include strong adhesion, calcified or thick protective layers, desiccation resistance, and the ability to endure temperature fluctuations. Rock-dwelling organisms often form ecological communities that contribute to weathering, soil formation, and nutrient cycling by breaking down rock and trapping organic matter.

Humans have also used rock for shelter and architecture. Cave dwellings, cliff dwellings, and rock-cut structures have been inhabited since prehistoric times and across many cultures. Today, some communities continue to inhabit rock shelters for traditional or practical reasons, while others study rock-dwelling ecosystems for biodiversity and conservation.