Marine+Biology

Marine Biology
We will finish watching that film when we get the classroom time. In the mean time leats continue the learning online. There are some amazing Marine Bio sites on the web and I will link you up to a few but I want you to do some exploration of your own as well.

We are going to keep working with Plankton today. Here are a couple of films to have a look at. media type="youtube" key="Pl6efrjUfRw&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425"

This next film is a lecture given about the importance of diatoms. It is a long lecture but contains a weath of information about the importance of these amazing tiny organisms that are at the basis of life in the ocean. Watch about the first 5-10 minutes of the film so that you can see a number of images of diatoms and learn a little about their biology. The rest of the film gets a bit heavy on Biology and Chemistry. It is very interesting but may be a bit difficult. Look at the set of discussion questions on the EAC and plankton. As a group I want you to contribute to the answers to these questions. Do this by editing the page and adding you contribution below the question. You will have to do some research to do this but the space here is unlimited. One thing though, make sure that what you type in is in your own words. Feel free to add films or picture or interesting links that you find though

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You need a bit of light relief after that one so have a look at this. media type="youtube" key="YjtcbO3NqlE&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425"

Here are the discussion questions

EAC and Plankton

 * 1. Where does the EAC originate and travel to?**

media type="youtube" key="VNefCmc3_1Y&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425"
 * This video shows the changing temperatures of the ocean and indicates where the EAC is located. Watch the east coast of australia and you can see**
 * the current as it moves down the coast.**


 * 2. What is the historical significance of the current and how does the current affect sea travel now?**




 * 3. Describe some of the features of the current.**


 * 4. What are some of the connections between the current and ocean life?**


 * 5. What is the difference between Phytoplankton and zooplankton? Give some examples of each.**

media type="youtube" key="l_PnRpq-u4I&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425"
 * 6. What are diatoms? What are they made of. What are they being used for. Elaborate on this.**
 * 7. What is the difference between permanent and temporary plankton? Give some examples of each.**


 * 8. Describe why plankton are important in ocean ecosystems.**


 * As this movie shows, a whale can only eat plankton, and not chips.**
 * So the plankton, even though very small, it keeps alive some of the biggest**
 * mammals in the world. By doing so, keeps the eco system alive.**

media type="youtube" key="ZdVHZwI8pcA&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425"


 * 9. Draw examples of food chains that include Plankton.**


 * 10. Describe the daily migration made by Plankton in the oceans. Why does this happen?**


 * 11. Find out about other migrations in the ocean that are based on plankton? Give details of these**

For all these discussion questions add links, videos pictures. The idea is to collaborate to build up a group response to the questions.

Here are a few links to get you started but please have a look around yourself and see what you can find.

[|Marinebio webpage]

[|Earth Observatory]

Marine Taxonomy
Tis material on marine taxonomy is an important part of understanding and making sense of what we see in the marine environment.

Download the Document and read through the material. Do the questions at the end and the worksheet.



FISH
Fish form the majority of the 'Nekton' in the ocean.

This quiz will help you to learn some of the fish species that are common in our local Marine Park.

Download the file and open it to take the quiz