Ecology of McMurdo Sound Scavengers

Ecology of McMurdo Sound Scavengers

Assessment

Interactive Video

Biology, Science, Geography

9th - 10th Grade

Hard

Created by

Patricia Brown

FREE Resource

In McMurdo Sound, life thrives with creatures like nemertean worms, sea stars, and urchins. These animals grow slowly but can become large and numerous. A dead seal pup provides a rare food source, attracting many scavengers. Nemerteans use a harpoon-like snout to puncture the seal's skin, while sea stars secrete digestive juices to dissolve tissue. This feeding continues throughout the summer until only the seal's skeleton remains.

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5 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is a notable characteristic of the creatures in McMurdo Sound?

They are found in small numbers.

They are mostly herbivores.

They grow slowly but can become very large and old.

They grow quickly and live short lives.

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the primary reason for the large number of animals in McMurdo Sound?

A migration of fish to the area.

An increase in water temperature.

A recent volcanic eruption.

A dead seal pup providing a rare food source.

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How do nemertean worms feed on the seal pup?

By swallowing the seal whole.

By waiting for the seal to decompose naturally.

By using their teeth to tear the flesh.

By using a harpoon-like snout to puncture the skin.

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What method do sea stars use to consume the seal's tissue?

They chew the tissue with their mouths.

They absorb the tissue through their skin.

They use their tentacles to tear the tissue apart.

They secrete digestive juices to dissolve the tissue.

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What remains of the seal after the scavengers have fed throughout the summer?

A pile of bones.

A partially eaten carcass.

A skeleton stripped bare.

A fully intact body.