Species Distribution: Sea otters and kelp forests

Species Distribution: Sea otters and kelp forests

Sea Surface Temperatures - 

North America  

Check out the map: “What differences do you see between the temperatures on the East and West Coasts of North America?” You will respond on the next page.

Multiple Choice

“What differences do you see between the temperatures on the East and West Coasts of North America?”

• West coast is warmer than East coast

• West coast is cooler than East coast

• West and East coast have about the same temperatures

Ocean Nitrates - North America 

“What differences do you see between the level of nitrates on the East and West Coasts?”

Multiple Choice

“What differences do you see between the level of nitrates on the East and West Coasts?”

• West coast has slightly more nitrates than East coast

• West coast has less nitrates than East coast

• West and East coast have about the same amount of nitrates

Ocean Phosphates - North America  

“What differences do you see between the level of phosphates on the East and West Coasts?” 

Multiple Choice

“What differences do you see between the level of phosphates on the East and West Coasts?”

• Phosphate levels are about the same on the West and East coasts.

• The West coast has less phosphates than the East coast.

• The West coast has more phosphates than the East coast.

Upwellings

Do you think kelp is found wherever there are upwellings? 

Why or why not?

Response required on next slide

Open Ended

Do you think kelp is found ONLY where there are upwellings?

Why or why not? Explain your response.

Kelp is found in many places where there are not upwellings because the water is nutrient rich and cool enough.

You just saw where kelp is found around the Earth, but otters are only found in this area. Why do you think that is?

Open Ended

Why do you think otters are only found on the West Coast of US and East Coast of Asia? (Visualize a map to help you respond)

Watch the video linked in Jan 11, 2021 announcement and discuss the following:

• Some scientists think that climate change may affect kelp forests, reducing their populations. How would such a change affect other species?

• If sea otters are threatened again by human activities as they were a century ago, what other species might be affected?