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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 serve as crucial breeding grounds for both turtles and pinnipeds due to their specific environmental conditions. For turtles, the sandy beaches provide optimal nesting sites where females return to lay their eggs. The isolation of these islands also helps protect the eggs from predation and environmental threats. Similarly, pinnipeds utilize these beaches for mating and giving birth, ensuring the safety of their pups by keeping them away from terrestrial predators. The unique habitats created by the islands support the reproductive success of both species.
Step 2
Explain the thermoregulation mechanisms of both turtles and pinnipeds.
Answer
Turtles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external environments to regulate their body temperature. They can migrate to cooler waters to avoid overheating and can lower their metabolic rate during periods of inactivity. Pinnipeds, on the other hand, are endothermic; they maintain their body heat through metabolic activities. Their blubber provides insulation, which is crucial in colder water environments. This physiological difference allows pinnipeds to inhabit a wider range of temperatures compared to turtles.
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 temperatures can lead to several adverse effects on the reproduction and thermoregulation of both turtles and pinnipeds. For turtles, higher sand temperatures can affect the sex ratio of hatchlings, as the temperature during incubation dictates the sex. Pinnipeds may experience difficulty finding suitable breeding habitats, as higher temperatures could lead to the erosion of beaches. Both species might face increased stress due to reduced food availability and increased competition, further impacting their reproductive success.
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 could result in significant behavioral changes among seals and turtles. For instance, rising sea levels may drive seals away from traditional breeding beaches, leading to increased stress and potential abandonment of pups. Turtles, finding their nesting sites altered, may be forced to locate new nesting areas, increasing energy expenditure. Both species may also experience shifts in migratory patterns due to changes in prey availability and water temperatures. These behavioral adaptations are critical for survival, but the evolving dynamics may disrupt the balance of their ecosystems.