Planet Earth – Shallow Seas

  1. Why would the majority of ocean life be found in shallow seas, as opposed to the deep ocean?

Humpback Whales

  1. Why is this animal considered a mammal instead of a fish?
  1. The shallow seas near the equator make a great nursery for the humpback whale, but a poor habitat overall. Explain how.

Coral Reefs

  1. The coral reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef, have a tremendous amount of biodiversity. What is biodiversity?
  1. Explain how coral is an example of mutualism between two species.

Unique Displays in the Reef

  1. Describe any adaptations you see for the pygmy seahorse, including the purpose of each.
  1. Describe any adaptations you see for the file clam, including the purpose of each.
  1. Would the relationship between the trevally, the yellow goatfish, and the banded sea kraits be considered interspecific competition or mutualism? Explain your reasoning.
  1. Each of these species has a much different body design, or appearance. Relate the appearance of each to the niche or role that each has within the ecosystem.

Gurnard –

Jawfish –

Wonderpus octopus -

Sea Grassesand Dugongs

  1. Plants can also have adaptations and relationships with other species. Give one example of an adaptation, and one example of a relationship.

Adaptation –

Relationship –

  1. Describe any adaptations you see with the dugong, including the purpose of each.
  1. Dolphins are highly intelligent and have a unique style of hunting. Describe what they do.

The Persian Gulf and Arabian Desert

  1. Cormorants have evolved to raise their young in the middle of the desert. What advantage does this provide the birds?
  1. How are the cormorants adapted for surviving in the midst of this desert?
  1. Describe the relationship between the Persian Gulf and the surrounding deserts. How is this isolated shallow sea so rich in life?
  1. A combination of factors in the winter and spring months create an abundance of algae growth in the cold temperate seas. What happens during each season?

Winter –

Spring –

  1. A complex food web is described in the northern temperate seas. This food chain only lasts until winter starts. Draw a diagram showing the flow of energy in this food web. The food web should include sunlight, as well as each of these species: algae, salps, krill, fish, sea lions, dusky dolphins.

Kelp and Urchins

  1. Describe any adaptations you see with the kelp, including the purpose of each.
  1. Describe any adaptations you see with the sea urchins, including the purpose of each.

Predator and Prey Starfish

  1. The massive sunflower starfish is shown hunting brittle stars and sand dollars. Explain what predatory adaptations the sunflower starfish has, then list any defensive adaptations its prey have.

Sunflower Starfish –

Brittle Stars –

Sand Dollars –

  1. The Great White Shark is one of the most fearsome predators in the ocean. Why is it mainly found in colder temperate seas?

King Penguins and Fur Seals

  1. King Penguins and Fur Seals are both designed for swimming, and thus are very clumsy on land. With that in mind, answer these questions:

Why do the penguins come onto land at all?

Why do fur seals hunt them on land instead of in the water?

Fur seals normally live on a diet of krill. Why might they take advantage of penguins as prey?

Aleutian Islands

  1. The Aleutian Islands are part of a large archipelago stretching off the western coast of Alaska. What ecological factors make this area so biologically productive and ideal for the humpback whale and her calf?