Zooplankton

eastern boundary upwelling system that is affected by seasonal as well as short term changes in wind stress (Ziveri et al., 1995). These changes are responsible for variability in both physical and biological processes within this region. Due to its unique geography there is a development of two currents within the bight. When the northerly California Current flow is strongest in spring and early summer upwelling is present (Bakun, 1975). Surface and deep waters during the summer can also exhibit severe stratification resulting in the reduction of vertical transport of nutrients as well as a strengthened pycnocline, which directly impacts the distribution, abundance and community of phytoplankton with in the area (Davis et al., 2008). Zooplankton abundance and distribution will also be affected as they graze upon the phytoplankton (Hessen et al., 2014). The objective of this study is to understand what impact abiotic factors have on vertical and horizontal distribution of plankton as well as diversity and abundance amongst the plankton community. Therefore, understanding variation of plankton communities with distance from shore will allow us to better understand how the unique features of the California bight influence their distribution. In order to do this water samples from three locations within the Southern California Bight were collected in order to analyze the planktonic community present both vertically and horizontally off the coast. Biotic factors such as…

The North American River Otter (Lutra canadensis) is an animal that is often seen in zoo captivity. Previous research demonstrates that otters are solitary with age, form kinship like relationships, often undergo positive reinforcement and active training techniques, and become lethargic after feeding. This study sought to demonstrate the effects of number of people and time since feeding on river otter backflip activity. By observing two river otters every minute post feeding for backflips and…

What is the importance of plankton in oceans and food chains? Plankton are essential in oceans and food chains worldwide. Phytoplankton specifically, are the primary producers providing food for Zooplankton, which together they formulate the foundation of the oceanic food chain. They are also a vital food source for larger animals.Phytoplankton are responsible for most of the transfer of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to the ocean. What is the difference between phytoplankton and…

Sea Otters Enhydra Lutris, also known as sea otters are the heaviest members of the weasel family and the second smallest marine mammals (Basic Facts About Sea Otters). Sea otters make up four different types of species: Enhydra (sea otter), Pteronua (giant otters), Aonyx (clawless otters), and Lutra (river otters) (Seaworld). Sea otters are not found just anywhere in the world. Most sea otters are found in coastal areas and islands of eastern and western North Pacific Ocean such as California,…

Although small, zooplankton play a vital role in the ecosystems of the ocean. Foraminifera and pteropods make up the majority of zooplankton. Providing creatures ranging from whales to tiny krill with a meal, these zooplankton are a major food source throughout the sea. Also, zooplankton are critical to the carbon cycle, which helps regulate how carbon dioxide cycles through the ecosystem. If the ocean were to see a loss in zooplankton, it would send severe ripple effects throughout the entire…

A type of brightly colored sea slug has a taste for microscopic marine creatures called zooplankton, and it feeds on them using a method that's never been seen before: It captures quantities in a gulp by using a middleman. The sea slug's unsuspecting helpers are hydroid polyps — tiny, coral-like animals that live in colonies and gorge on zooplankton. And the sea slug, known as a nudibranch, treats the polyps as living fishing nets, avidly scooping them up and swallowing them down as soon as the…

A kind of splendidly hued ocean slug has a preference for infinitesimal marine animals called zooplankton, and it feeds on them utilizing a technique that has never been seen: It catches them in a swallow by utilizing an agent. The ocean slug's clueless partners are hydroid polyps — tiny, coral-like creatures that live in colonies and feed on zooplankton. The ocean slug, known as a nudibranch (pronounced nooda-brank), regards the polyps as living fishing nets, energetically scooping them up and…

Nearly phytoplankton are all are able to float they all float in the upper part of the ocean where the sunlight hit the water. Phytoplankton provide food for a lot of sea creatures like wills, shrimp, snails and jellyfish. When phytoplankton get too much nutrients they might grow out of control and form harmful algal blooms. These balloons produce toxins this may have harmful effects on sea animals. Zooplankton Plankton is composed of phytoplankton and zooplankton which are on usually tiny…

The steelhead trout used to be a native species to the Arroyo Del Valle in Pleasanton, California. Some are anadromous fish (i.e. they spend most of their time in freshwater developing after they hatch and then spend part of their later life in the sea or ocean) but others will remain in a freshwater stream or creek their entire lives. Typically, anadromous populations swim up the creek in winter to lay their eggs and then swim back, leaving the eggs to develop on their own. In order to lay…

phytoplankton mass, decreasing in the summer months and increasing in the spring and fall. These factors also correlate with the nutrients available during certain months, like when nitrogen is limited and allows cyanobacteria to outcompete the rest of the phytoplankton. The times of the year that the bottom-up factors cannot explain the overall biomass is during the summer months that are heavily populated by the cyanobacteria, which are dependent on their ability to fix nitrogen on their…