The Importance of Marine Wildlife and the Human

ImpactAbera, Brandon, Jerry, Parmin, Parminder, Shreya, & Yogesh.

Affect of human actions on marine ecosystem

Indian Point

Work in Progress

Measuring the transect distance

Making

Observations

Difference in vegetation at different elevations

Seaweed

Rocks and pebbles

Seaweed at low tide

Animals, seaweed and substrate amount and type at different quadrates

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cmcm

Area of a quadrate = Length of transect x Width of transect

Change in Elevation

Density of species at different distances

Density of Animals = Number of Species

Area of quadrate

Barnacles

Figure 1: Distribution of Barnacles at different transects

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Common Periwinkle

Figure 2: Distribution of Common Periwinkle at different transects

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Smooth Periwinkle

Figure 3: Distribution of Smooth Periwinkle at different transects

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Dog Periwinkle

Figure 4: Distribution of Dog Periwinkle at different transects

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Scuds (Freshwater Shrimp)

Figure 5: Distribution of Scuds at different transects

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Figure 6: Elevation at different transects

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Different types of seaweed

Rockweed [fucus]

Sea Lettuce

Why are certain species abundant in one region and not other?

Ecological Niche The habitat of an organism and its

function in an ecosystem Describes how an organism adapts to its

environment when there is an abundance or shortage of resources and competitors

Determines the presence or absence of species under different circumstances

Scuds are freshwater shrimp (Amphipod) Hide among the weeds and under rocks or

debris Live mostly in areas where there is

concentrated aquatic vegetation The highest amount of scuds found in a

quadrate is in number 17 It consists of 100% knotted rag and 90%

mud

Other factors affecting presence of species in an area

Salinity Proximity to water Sunlight intensity Elevation

Correlation between elevation and presence of common periwinkles common periwinkle is densely located in

areas with low elevation and as the elevation increases, the density of common periwinkles decreases

Limiting Factor a condition that affects the population of a

certain organism, if it is absent or insufficient in a habitat

i.e. the change in elevation was the limiting factor for the transect lab

The change in elevation in turn determines: the vegetation growth (e.g. seaweed) of that

location the amount of water present at the location

[high/low tide]

Elevation change- Vegetation growth Depending on the type of seaweed

present in the location, different species are found

the type and amount of seaweed determines the amount of food source available for the bigger species which determines the amount of species present in the region

Elevation change-High/Low tides the elevation affects the amount of

waves that reach the location

determines whether intertidal or subtidal organisms will be present in these locations.

Elevation change-High/Low tides The organisms present in these regions

will be determined according to their body structure, whether they are able to handle high tides or only low tides.

Some organisms prefer lower elevations since they can easily be spotted by their predators at high elevations.

Natural Selection of Species certain species are more adaptable to

different habitats, have a higher chance of surviving than the species that can not adapt to different conditions

e.g. the common periwinkle has a higher chance of natural selection than the dog periwinkle and the smooth periwinkle

Natural Selection the common periwinkles are found

throughout the whole transect in different substrates including gravel, rock and mud

the dog periwinkle is only found in two muddy quadrates and in very small numbers, due to its low ability to adapt to different habitats.

Natural Selection the smooth periwinkle, Littorina

obtusata, is able to survive some extreme exposure and temperature; however it is not as well adapted to being out of the water as the rough and common periwinkles

The smooth periwinkle’s ecological niche is the lowest reaches of the lower intertidal region.

Effects of rising temperatures on ocean

animals

We think of animals such as: Polar Bears Sea Turtles Right Whales

Polar Bears Frozen Iceland will turn into open

water causing the bears to swim for longer distances between areas of stable ice.

That will mean there is less time and energy for reproduction.

Polar bear population will go down

Polar Bears Cont. With rising temperatures, these sea ice is

decreasing in numbers, effectively making the polar bears travel farther distances between safe resting places.

Since they use it for hunting, less sea ice means more competition for ice platforms, which means more polar bears go hungry which means that they acquire diseases and die quicker.

A 2007 report from US geological services predict that if there is a decline in sea ice, what is now a 22,000 strong polar bear population would decrease by two thirds to just over 14600 by 2050

Polar Bears Cont.

Reduced stock of its primary food...

The Ringed Seal

Delicious

Polar Bears Cont. Polar bears use ice as a platform for

hunting, preying and nesting. Also, rise in temperatures means less

seals are alive. Thus, the food is also being diminished.

Less food, less ice, same number of polar bears will lead to more competition, causing many bears to die off.

Polar Bears Cont. A 2005 report says if there is a complete

loss of summer sea ice cover, the polar bears are highly unlikely to survive

Polar Bears Cont. Polar bears are listed under “threatened

species”. A threatened species is primarily

defined as “highly likely” to be endangered in the future

Sea Turtles Are on the list for endangered species. Females lay eggs in the sand at

beaches. Sea turtle gender is largely based on the

temperature during incubation This means that if the temperature is

high, the sex ratio will be biased toward females.

Sea Turtles Cont. Low level beaches like in the Maldives

and the great barrier reefs will be covered with water if the ice caps melt due to high temperature.

This will mean less places to lay eggs on. Feeding patterns of the turtles will be

altered since the sea grass beds would be in decline due to higher water temperatures

Right Whales Endangered and protected since the mid

1930s (300 – 400 individuals left in the world) Human activities such as whaling and

commercial fishing is to be blamed.

Right Whales Cont. High temperature means less food for

the zoo plankton. Female whales can't prepare for calving

without high amounts of zoo plankton. Changes of sea water temperature, wind

and water currents can affect the patch formation of zoo plankton.

Right Whales Cont. Scientists allege that increase climate

variability or prolonged period of negative NAO index (causing decline of zooplankton) will inhibit the already tenuous recovery of the right whale.

Lobsters Cold blooded, and if temperature rises,

it causes cold blooded animals to use more energy for respiration, leaving less energy for growth, feeding, energy storage, immune response and reproduction.

Temperature of the ocean floor immediately dictates success of breeding and migrating patterns.

Lobsters Cont. Research found that when water

temperature rises above 20.6 C, the respiration rate increases to a point where their demand for oxygen exceeds the supply that is dissolved in the water causing physiological damage

Studies have shown rising seawater temperatures cause/ helps spread lobster shell disease.

Lobsters Cont. One SURPRISING observation is that

there has been an increase in numbers of lobsters in the gulf of Maine. scientist speculate that it may be due to that with warmer waters, a longer growing season is spurred, encouraging more rapid growth, causing lobsters to hatch earlier and provide better conditions for larval lobsters.

Soil Fertility and More The mudflats surrounding the Bay of Fundy were formed

when continental plates parted millions of years ago. The mud flats, however, were created as the surrounding cliffs of soft siltstone and shale were eroded by strong tidal currents in the bay.

The tides can also be contributed to the structure of the mud flats. Large quantities of minute sediments flood the coastal area during each tide cycle in sheltered areas along the coast most of the sediment remains, creating the mudflats.

When the tide recedes, in the exposed mud surface, lays millions of small

Crustaceans or their pinhole burrows. Shorebirds feed on the exposed creatures.

Phytoplankton The water is very cloudy due to the churning of

the water caused by the tides. Thus, sunlight cannot reach deep underwater, preventing the phytoplankton from photosynthesizing. When the tide recedes, large deposits of nutrients are left behind, fully exposed to the sun. Thus, this results in low productions of phytoplankton production in the water but extremely high quantities on the mudflats.

Phytoplankton

Migratory Birds At Johnson's Mills at the Bay of Fundy

shorebirds land to feed on the mudflats. The birds feed on tiny marine creatures

in the nutrient rich mudflats before continuing their migration to the Canadian artic to South America. Each bird will eat at least 10-20,000 mud shrimp every low tide.

Significance of Mud shrimp to the structure of the Mudflats Positive: They build u-shaped burrows which

compact the surrounding sediment. These tunnels also stick together resulting in a large network of tiny erosion resistant tunnels.

This creates a strong structure within the mud to protect it from being washed away by tides.

Significance of Mud shrimp to the structure of the Mudflats Negative: They eat Diatoms, bacteria and many

microorganisms that secrete sticky organic glue-like organisms which hold the mud together. The secretions protect the mud from being easily swept away by tides.

Types of Soil The mudflats were developed form the

materials deposited by glacial ice in the form of boulder till, sands, gravels and fine-textured sediments that settled out in glacial lakes. They hold mineral content. The soils closer to the coast consist of more stone and therefore are more leached and supplied with less nutrients in comparison to the upland soils.

Types of Soil Cont. Most soils are acidic. They are acidic

due to the type of material from which the soils were formed and the very high precipitation in the region.1000mm of precipitation in the region results in severe leaching of certain elements including calcium, magnesium and potassium from the surface. This makes it strongly acid and relatively infertile.

Sediment Sediments are the basis of the mudflat.

Erosion of shorelines (often sedimentary cliffs) produces the sediments that are transported to the mudflats. Factors that make sediments of mudflats stick together include the presence of diatoms (single-celled plants), moisture content and particle size.

Sediment Cont. In the presence of water, smaller

particles have an attractive force between them, keeping the water molecules locked between the particles. This keeps the mudflats moist and prevents the water from draining out. This affects the amount of oxygen and relative compounds within the mudflats; determining the abundance of species that can live within it.

Salt In the summer, as heat

increases evaporation, the salt content in the mudflats. This causes stress within the organisms living in the habitat. Likewise, if there is increased freshwater in the system, then reduced salinity will also bring upon stress to the organisms.

Temperature Temperature can affect the structure of the

mudflats. High temperatures will leave the mudflats to dry out. Strong winds may lead to erosion of the mudflats in such conditions. In colder climates, where the temperature is below zero, the surface can freeze. This can have a negative impact on the organisms whom live in the habitat. Movement, deficiency of prey populations, etc. can lead to the decline of the populations of many species.

The rising and falling of tides, alters the shape of the mudflats. It may cause erosion, leeching, etc.

Who lives where?

Dichotomous Key Figuring out a species or genus of an animal

from thousands can be confusing, even with a description.

A dichotomous key is the simplest and most efficient way to differ between any kingdom, phylum, family, genus, and species.

A dichotomous key has both advantages and disadvantages to it's use, especially when it comes to individual variation.

How It Works A dichotomous key is a simple tool which

classifies objects through its natural descriptions, i.e. smell, colour, texture, shape, etc.

It starts off with two simple options that define the object, and then narrows it down while eliminating all other possible objects.

A series of double statements follow, eliminating further possibilities and allowing one to reach a conclusion.

Pros Very effective and efficient Easy to use Universal

Cons Incorrect information or descriptions can

lead to incorrect conclusions Genetic disorders can cause fluctuations

in the specifics vs. the general description of the organism.

Dichotomous Key Interactive Video: http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb4zj967qHs

Please visit. Created by Yogesh Gupta.

Sea Stars

Sea Star Adhesion • How well can sea star (Asteroidea)

adhere to a surface (tube feet strength)?

Sea Star Reactions

• Sea Star reacts defensively to stress

• Positions itself where it can hold on

• Widens arms and spreads out

Tube Feet Movement

Use water vascular system

Changes in water pressure within the channels of the echinoderms

Suctions cups on the oral side to extend and contrasts arms for movement

Move very slowly, most of adult life spend stationary

Tube Feet Feeding and

Respiration Use tube feet to move

food towards the mouth of the echinoderm

Get oxygen from water sucked in through tube feet

Tube feet sensitive, used to identify and find food

What we learned Echinoderm are very intelligent and have

developed techniques special to them (flipping themselves)

Star fish have the ability to regenerate broken limbs

Studying how they do so aids in regenerative medicine

How we differ from other life, and what can we learn from other life (tissue repair)

Sea Stars: One World

Tube Feet: Uses Locomotion Passing food to mouth Surface adhesion

Tube Feet: Importance Allow sea stars to act as keystone

predators Keystone predator: organism that plays

significant role in maintaining structure and balance in ecological community by preying on other organisms

How are Sea Stars Keystone Predators? Sea stars prey on species that do not have any

other major predators in community (ex. oysters, clams, mussels)

By preying on these species, sea stars keep them from overpopulating

Consequences of Overpopulation Overpopulation of species such as clams,

mussels and oysters can cause their prey to become endangered

Overpopulation would also lead to a lack of biodiversity

Ecosystem would not be able to function properly

Sea Urchins

Phylum Echinodermata (“Spiny Skin”) Echinoderm is the common name for

approximately 6000 living species. The Echinoderm Phylum consists of

marine animals such as Starfish, brittle stars, sand dollars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins.

Echinoderms usually have radial symmetry in their structure.

As well as being equipped with tube feet.

Echinoderms – Sea Urchins They are found commonly at the bottom

of the ocean. In this case Sea Urchins are grazers at the bottom of the ocean.

These grazers are feeders of small particles at the bottom of the ocean.

Thus, they are found in the deep sea.

Sea Urchin - Scientific Classification The name sea urchin is a general name

used for around 700 species of echinoderms that have the same appearance and structure.

Sea urchins belong to the class Echinoidea. Sea urchins with gills belong to the order

Centrechinoida, and those without gills belong to Cidaroida.

Reproduction In the sea, the male sea urchin will

release his sperm into the sea while the female urchin releases her eggs.

When and if the eggs and sperm touch a new baby urchin will form.

Growth Once the gametes become fertilized, a

larva is formed. For Sea urchins, this larva is known as a pluteus.

It is nearly impossible for one to determine the sex (visually) of the urchin until it becomes an adult and releases either a sperm or an egg.

Experiment with Tube Feet An experiment at the trip was

attempted to test the adhesion of the sea urchin to a surface.

The purpose of this was to see how the tube feet are used and how it can come in handy for the echinoderms in the sea.

Materials Multiple Sea Urchins (Depending on the number

of trials desired) Fishing Line Plastic Bag Rocks (gravel) – substitution for lead weights Upside Down Stool Large Bowls Salt Water Centigram Balance (1 decimal place) Paper Towels

Procedure Before we proceed with the experiment,

gather all the required materials and create a controlled a clean space in order to erect the apparatus. To test the sea urchin’s adhesion force limit, we will create a pulley system where the load will be attached to the sea urchin after it adheres to the bowl when submerged in salt water. The following diagram will give a visual representation of how the apparatus will look after created.

Apparatus

Based on this apparatus and specified materials, the following data was produced (under specific and special circumstances).

The Adhesion Force Limit For Various Sizes of Sea Urchin(s)Sea Urchin # (picked randomly*)

Mass of Sea Urchin (g) ±0.01g

Adhesion Force Limit (g) ±β

1 37.8 313.92 14.8 295.53 3.2 27.14 15.2 45.15 35.8 96.46 54.7 553.57 45.8 456.28 3.8 72.09 24.7 30.610 55.1 176.2

*Note: Various urchins were used; a different urchin was selected every time to generate different results and to create a broader scope in order to make a general consensus.β – Due to the fact that rocks were used as weights, the actual adhesion force limit is not very precise. Rocks have various weights and sizes and thus we create variability in the data. Thus, this is a close estimate rather than actual statistics.

Analysis If we take a look at the data we can see a trend:

As the mass of the sea urchin increases, statistically speaking, it will be able to produce a larger adhesion force limit rather to that of a smaller mass.

This is a result of a larger sea urchin (the one with the more mass) would have more tube feet genetically and a greater surface area to disperse the adhesion.

With more tube feet along a surface the sum of the individual adhesions culminate into a larger and greater adhesion force limit.

Structure

Sea Urchins: One World

Tube Feet: Uses Locomotion Passing food to mouth Surface adhesion Prevent larvae of other organisms from settling on

their surface

Tube Feet: Importance Capture algae from coral reef

as food Feeding on algae prevents

algae from overpopulating and smothering coral reef

Coral Reef: Importance Serves as habitat to many

different species and provides many of basic essentials for life

Effects of Algae Overpopulation

Could smother coral reef, leaving little space for other organisms to live

Lack of biodiversity Shortage of food supply for other organisms Endangerment of other species

References 2009, Mudflat Ecology; Mudshrimp in the Bay of

Fundy, The Nature Conservancy of Canada [Internet]. [cited 2010 August 21]; 7:30. Available from: http://www.natureconservancy.ca/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=9683&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=at_ncc_

Irving Nature Park, new-brunswick.net [Internet]. [cited 2010 August 23]; 9:45.Available from: http://new-brunswick.net/new-brunswick/inp/page1.htm

References Soil Fertility Guide; Factors Affecting Plant Growth

Internet]. [cited 2010 August 15]; 8:45 Available from: http://www.nr.gov.nl.ca/agric/soil_land_new/pdfiles/fertilguide.pdf

T.W. Bruulsema, 2006, Soil Fertility in the Northeast Region [Internet]. [cited 2010 August 13]; 2:35. Available from: http://www.ipni.net/ppiweb/bcrops.nsf/$webindex/3D4FAE77DF7E1CC78525711000150B52/$file/06-1p08.pdf

2010, Tidal Mudflats, Fisheries and Oceans Canada [Internet]. [cited 2010 August 21];7:30. Available from: http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/e0005906#sediment

2010, Phytoplankton, LiveScience [Internet]. [cited 2010 August 5]; 6:00. Available from: http://www.livescience.com/php/multimedia/imagedisplay/img_display.php?pic=ig29_phytoplankton_02.jpg&title=Phytoplankton&cap=Biologists+believe+that+bacterial+plankton+accounts+for+80%25+or+more+of+all+photosynthetic+activity+in+the+open+ocean.

References

References Lexa B. Robidoux, 2009, Water, [Internet]. [cited 2010

August 19]; 8:00. Available from: http://www.phathebook.com/?p=369

2009, Heath Freedom Resources [Internet]. [cited 2010 August 20]; 10:30. Available from: http://www.healthfree.com/celtic_sea_salt.html

Rolf Hicker Photogaphy, 2010, Rolf Hicker Photogaphy [Internet]. [cited 2010 August6]; 9:30. Available from: http://www.hickerphoto.com/water-and-powerful-waves-9269-pictures.htm

Refernces Tidal fall in the Bay of Fundy, Undersea Landscapes [Internet].

[cited 2010 August 12]; 1:00. Available from: http://www.gma.org/undersea_landscapes/Bay_of_Fundy/

Myriam A. Barbeau, Antony W. Diamond, Diana J. Hamilton, Quantifying Relationships Among Species on Intertidal Mudflats in the Uppr Bay of Fundy: Community-Level Interactions and the Influence of Abiotic Factors, [Internet]. [cited 2010 August 17]; 12:40. Available from: http://docs.informatics.management.dal.ca/gsdl/collect/bofep1/import/WE_HTML/BOFEP5-2002-209.htm

Climate change: the effects on ocean animals. New England Aquarium Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2010. http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/climate_change/effects_on_ocean_animals.php