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Interactions between pinnipeds and sea turtles take place both in the water and on land - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 4 - 2024 - Paper 2
Question 4
Interactions between pinnipeds and sea turtles take place both in the water and on land. At the French Frigate Shoals (islands in north-west Hawaii), both Hawaiian M... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Interactions between pinnipeds and sea turtles take place both in the water and on land - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 4 - 2024 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe why the islands are important for turtle and pinniped reproduction.
Answer
The islands, particularly the French Frigate Shoals, provide crucial habitats for both turtles and pinnipeds during their breeding periods. Turtles return to the islands they were born on to lay eggs in sandy nests, ensuring a safe environment for egg development. Pinnipeds also use the islands for mating and giving birth. The isolation offered by these islands protects them from terrestrial predators, thus increasing the chances of survival for both offspring.
Step 2
Explain the thermoregulation mechanisms of both turtles and pinnipeds.
Answer
Turtles are ectothermic, meaning that they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body heat. This allows them to thrive in favorable climates where they can remain active. They can lower their metabolism during periods of inactivity, which aids in energy conservation. In contrast, pinnipeds are endothermic; they maintain their body temperature through metabolic activities, making them less reliant on the surrounding environment. Their thick blubber insulates them against colder waters.
Step 3
Expand on the effects that an increase in global temperature, due to climate change, will have on the reproduction and thermoregulation of both classes on the island.
Answer
An increase in global temperature can significantly alter the breeding habitats of both species. Higher temperatures can lead to higher sand temperatures, affecting turtle egg incubation success. Additionally, rising sea levels may submerge nesting sites. For pinnipeds, elevated temperatures can lead to increased stress and dehydration, impacting their ability to nurse pups, as higher temperatures require more water and food resources.
Step 4
What implications could climate change have on the behavior of the seals and the turtles on the island? Motivate your answer.
Answer
Climate change may prompt turtles to alter their nesting behaviors, potentially selecting cooler, less suitable sites for nesting. Pinnipeds might be forced to migrate to new areas in search of food or to avoid overheating. Additionally, changes in prey availability due to warming oceans could lead to increased competition between the two species as they adapt to the shifting environment. The interconnectedness of ecosystems means that these changes can have cascading effects on marine biodiversity.