What are ocean food chains (Primary) - Lesson Five

• Social Studies
• History
• +3
• 3rd,4th Grade

Introduction

Lesson 5 – How do species work together? This lesson covers the final component ‘decomposers’ and how species work together to support an ecosystem. Learning activities:  Research and draw either a whale pump or trophic cascade  Explain the meaning of decomposers and ecosystem.

Instructions

Time: 45 minutes

Contact: [e-mail]
© Sea Shepherd 2022

Lesson 5 - How do species work together?

This lesson is provided by Sea Shepherd. Sea Shepherd was founded in 1977 and is a marine conservation organisation working to protect the oceans and marine wildlife. Sea Shepherd works globally on a range of issues impacting the oceans, running numerous direct action campaigns each year.

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During the lesson we will use these icons to identify the learning actions.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Producers - Consumers - Predators

We have discussed - Producers – consumers - predators Each one in this chain provides energy for the next level.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

How do apex species produce energy?

We previously discussed how producers use energy from the sun and nutrients to create their food.
Ask students: “How do you think apex species help create the energy needed by producers?”

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Whales and phytoplankton

One example is how whale poo adds nutrients to the ocean, including nitrogen and iron.
Phytoplankton, are tiny little organisms that live in the ocean, they are so small you can’t see them with the naked eye, but they are very important to our air supply. Phytoplankton are dependent on nutrients and nitrogen in the ocean which they receive from things like whale poo.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Whale food chain

Whales need phytoplankton as food, as do other creatures like krill, which are another food source for whales. So whales need phytoplankton populations to grow for food and phytoplankton need the nutrients from whales.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Decomposers

There is another member of a food chain, that sits to the side. They are called decomposers. They feed on dead materials, both plant and animal. They are like the cleaners of the ocean.
These include crustaceans, bacteria, molluscs, fungi, sea cucumbers, starfish and sea urchins.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Ecosystems

Healthy ecosystems need to be in balance. What would happen if we reduced the number of whales in this ecosystem?

This is a fun video of whale calf playing with dolphins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETvZI1hjVVE

www.seashepherdglobal.org

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Refer Teachers Guide for Learning Activities.