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Name: ________________________ Period: _________________ Date: __________________
Planet Earth – Shallow Seas
Based on the BBC Planet Earth DVD
1. Why would the majority of ocean life be found in shallow seas, as opposed to the deep ocean?
Shallow seas have a greater abundance of sunlight and receive more nutrients from the land. Sunlight and
nutrients are the two biggest limiting factors life faces in the ocean.
For each of the aquatic ecosystems shown in this episode, plankton and other protists serve as keystone species. The
entire biological community revolves around the growth and decline of these microorganisms.
Humpback Whales
2. Why is this animal considered a mammal instead of a fish?
Whales give birth to live young and p roduce milk. This isn’t mentioned in the video, but they are also
warm-blooded – this is what llows them to migrate between different types of seas.
3. The shallow seas near the equator make a great nursery for the humpback whale, but a poor habitat
overall. Explain how.
There is little life here, due to the lack of nutrients. As a result, there are no predators, but there is also
no food source for the mother whale.
Coral Reefs
4. The coral reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef, have a tremendous amount of biodiversity. What is
biodiversity?
The number of different species within an ecosystem.
5. Explain how coral is an example of mutualism between two species.
Coral and algae live together, and benefit each other. Coral s able to “feed around the clock,” meaning
the algae performs photosynthesis during the days, and the polyps can feed on plankton at night.
Unique Displays in the Reef
6. Describe any adaptations you see for the pygmy seahorse, including the purpose of each.
7. Describe any adaptations you see for the file clam, including the purpose of each.
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8. Would the relationship between the trevally, the yellow goatfish, and the banded sea kraits be
considered interspecific competition or mutualism? Explain your reasoning.
9. 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 Grasses and Dugongs
10. Plants can also have adaptations and relationships with other species. Give one example of an
adaptation, and one example of a relationship.
Adaptation –
Relationship –
11. Describe any adaptations you see with the dugong, including the purpose of each.
12. Dolphins are highly intelligent and have a unique style of hunting. Describe what they do.
The Persian Gulf and Arabian Desert
13. Cormorants have evolved to raise their young in the middle of the desert. What advantage does this
provide the birds?
14. How are the cormorants adapted for surviving in the midst of this desert?
15. Describe the relationship between the Persian Gulf and the surrounding deserts. How is this isolated
shallow sea so rich in life?
16. 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 –
17. 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
18. Describe any adaptations you see with the kelp, including the purpose of each.
19. Describe any adaptations you see with the sea urchins, including the purpose of each.
Predator and Prey Starfish
20. 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 –
21. 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
22. 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
23. 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?
Name: ________________________ Period: _________________ Date: __________________
Kingdom of
Bahrain,
26°S, 50°E
Aleutian Islands,
52°N and
173°W
Marion Island,
47°S, 38°E
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Shark Bay,
25°S, 113°E
Great Barrier
Reef,
18°S, 147°E
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