Spreading the risk: Small-scale body temperature variation among intertidal organisms and its implications for species persistence

► We measured the thermal exposure of multiple individuals within an intertidal site. ► Exposure varied drastically among individuals separated by < 1 m to 336 m. ► This inter-individual variation rivals variation seen along a latitudinal gradient. ► Within-site variation may buffer populations from effects of climate change. ► Within-site variability undoubtedly affects the evolution of thermal tolerance.