Special Species
This tiny shrimp-like crustacean is a keystone food source for whales, penguins, and seals in polar oceans.
what are krill
Marine mammals have this layer of fat to insulate them in cold ocean waters.
what is blubber
This behavior allows gray whales to move between cold feeding grounds and warm breeding grounds.
what is migration
This mammal is known for its intelligence, echolocation, and playful communication clicks.
What is a dolphin
Marine animals living in tide pools must survive drastic changes in this factor as the tide rises and falls.
What is salinity (or water level)
This species uses a bioluminescent ball, similar to a fishing rod, to attract prey
what is an anglerfish
Fish use these specialized organs to extract oxygen from water.
what are gills
Dolphins find food in coordinated groups, displaying this complex social behavior.
what is cooperative hunting
These large mammals can hold their breath for over 90 minutes while diving to hunt for squid.
what is a sperm whale
Many deep-sea creatures have slow metabolisms to adapt to this environmental condition.
What is low food availability (or scarce energy sources)
Found in kelp forests, this invertebrate uses tube feet and everting stomachs to digest prey outside its body.
what are sea stars
Many deep-sea fish have this adaptation to produce their own light.
what is bioluminescence
Many reef fish clean parasites off larger species in a beneficial relationship called what?
what is mutualism
This slow-moving herbivorous marine mammal is sometimes called a “sea cow.”
What is a manatee or dugong
Intertidal organisms must cling tightly to rocks to survive this strong physical force.
What is Wave Action
This marine mammal splits its time between land and sea, blending into the snow and hunting seals. They are critically endangered due to climate change
what is a polar bear
Penguins and dolphins both have this body shape that reduces drag and allows efficient swimming.
what is a stream-lined body
Some cephalopods can rapidly change their skin texture and color to mimic surroundings, a behavior known as what?
what is dynamic camaflouge
These agile hunters have a countershading coloration—dark on top, light on bottom—to camouflage from predators and prey.
What are orcas (killer whales)
Some marine species are shifting their ranges poleward due to this global phenomenon altering ocean temperatures.
What is Climate Change (global warming)
This species has a symbiotic relationship with anemone
what are clownfish
Certain sharks can sense the electrical signals of other animals using these special organs near their snouts.
What are ampullae of Lorenzini
what is bubble netting
These marine mammals have flexible rib cages that collapse under pressure, preventing decompression sickness during deep dives.
What are pinnipeds (seals and sea lions)
This climate change impact has resulting in coral species bleaching.
what is ocean acidification or rising ocean temp