Exploring ocean communities
In this assignment, we explore the communities found in our oceans, and the many relationships that exist between the inhabitants. We’ll watch a video that brings us close-up into communities so very different than our own, and yet, the relationships among community members there are very much the same. The video is just under an hour, so give yourself time to view and enjoy. Maybe invite a friend and make some popcorn. It is fun and enjoyable viewing – settle in…
Next you will listen live to the open ocean “soundscape” to hear some of the largest and most interesting organisms under the water surface. First find out about the science of listening to whales, then relax and listen in to the songs of the whales.
Checklist
1. Watch the documentary video below. As you do, think about the many topics we have covered. Ideas such as populations, environment, habitat, niche, predator and prey, competition… I hope you just sit back and soak it all in, but if you are really pressed for time, I will never know if you skim through more quickly.
2. Listen to the voices. When we think of ocean organisms, we do not often think of “listening” to them. Here is a short and interesting video with the scientist who got us all started listening under water.
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-42267618
3. Now to hear live sounds from off the California coast, go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute page by clicking on the picture of the killer whale below. Read about the research and recording, then go to the link “Listen to live audio” on that page. If the sounds are not live at this time, look down the page a little farther and click on the links in the recording library. There you will find sounds of nine different species of whales, as well as rain and earthquakes.
Soundscape Listening Room
4. After viewing the ocean community video and listening to the whales, write a one page commentary on your experience. I want you to think deeply about the other creatures that live in community with us, even if we are quite distant from them. Consider the following:
a. After watching the videos, what questions do you have about the various creatures, and the environment in which they all live? What would you still like to know?
b. After watching the videos, can you identify some relationships, such as predator, prey and competitors? Discuss a few of these relationships.
c. After listening to the sounds – the songs – what do you think about the whales ability to communicate? How might this communication help them to be successful in their ocean environment.
d. All these creatures exist right now in an environment very, very foreign to us. Stop and think that right now – while you are thinking about this – multiple species are living out their lives in the complexity of a coral reef community. Right now, a killer whale is gliding slowly through deep water, making sounds that other whales and ocean life can hear and recognize. How does that make you feel about your place on earth? About the diversity of life?
5. Submit your assignment. Remember, it should be at least 500 words to get the learning value we want for you.
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In this assignment, we explore the communities foun appeared first on Skilled Papers.