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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. Female turtles return to the islands where they were born during the breeding period to lay their eggs in the sand. For pinnipeds, mating occurs on land, where internal fertilization takes place. Both species rely on the islands' resources and specific environmental conditions to ensure successful reproduction.
Step 2
Explain the thermoregulatory mechanisms of both turtles and pinnipeds.
Answer
Turtles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by the external environment. They can migrate to areas with favorable temperatures and have an adaptive metabolic rate that allows them to stay submerged for longer during colder periods. Pinnipeds, on the other hand, are endothermic, relying on higher metabolic activities to maintain their body heat. However, their activity depends on the surrounding temperature and can influence their foraging behaviors.
Step 3
Expand on the effects that an increase in ocean temperature, due to climate change, will have on the reproduction and thermoregulation of both classes on the island.
Answer
An increase in ocean temperature can lead to several detrimental effects on both species. For turtles, higher temperatures can negatively affect the sex ratio in hatchlings, leading to an overrepresentation of one gender. Pinnipeds may experience challenges in maintaining hydration and body temperatures, leading to increased stress levels and potentially impacting their reproduction. Both groups may struggle to find suitable nesting and breeding environments as sea levels rise and habitats change.
Step 4
What implications would climate change have on the behaviour of the seals and turtles on the island? Motivate your answer.
Answer
Climate change could lead to shifts in behavior for both seals and turtles. With altered food availability, seals may need to migrate further to find resources, which could increase competition and reduce time spent near turtles. Similarly, if turtles are forced to adjust their nesting sites, it may lead to increased disturbances and stress during breeding. Such changes could also impact interspecies interactions, further affecting their overall reproductive success.