Make up a change in the abiotic factors of your ecosystem. Examples could include: a drought, temperature changes, any other sudden weather changes, etc.

Question

7. The change happening in my ecosystem:

8. Describe how this change will affect at least 3 species in your ecosystem.

for the ocean

Answer 1

7. The change happening in my ecosystem:

A significant increase in ocean temperatures due to a prolonged marine heatwave, raising the average sea temperature by 3°C (5.4°F) over the course of four months.

8. Effects of this change on three species in the ocean ecosystem:

1. Coral Reefs (e.g., Acropora spp.):

   • Impact: The rise in water temperature causes coral bleaching, which occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues. This algae is critical for coral coloration and energy production through photosynthesis. Prolonged bleaching can lead to widespread coral mortality, dramatically altering the habitat structure of coral reefs and reducing biodiversity.
   • Consequences: Bleached corals lack the necessary energy to thrive, making them more susceptible to disease. This can lead to a decline in reef health, affecting numerous species that rely on coral reefs for food and shelter.

2. Sea Turtles (e.g., Chelonia mydas - Green Sea Turtle):

   • Impact: As ocean temperatures rise, the nesting success of sea turtles can be adversely affected. Higher temperatures can skew the sex ratio of hatchlings, leading to an overwhelming number of females or males, which disrupts population dynamics. Additionally, the increase in water temperature may reduce the availability of prey like seagrasses and jellyfish due to changes in their growth rates and distribution.
   • Consequences: If sea turtles cannot successfully nest or find sufficient food, their populations may decline, threatening their survival and leading to cascading effects on the ecosystem, as they play a vital role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs.

3. Plankton (e.g., phytoplankton):

   • Impact: Warmer ocean waters can lead to changes in plankton growth rates and community structure. Certain species of phytoplankton may thrive under warmer conditions, while others may not be able to adapt, leading to shifts in species composition. The blooming of harmful algal species may also become more frequent, leading to toxic events.
   • Consequences: Changes in plankton communities can alter food webs, as many marine organisms, including fish and zooplankton, rely on plankton as a primary food source. Disruptions in these populations can reduce fish stocks, impacting both marine biodiversity and human fisheries.

Overall, the increase in ocean temperatures can create a ripple effect throughout the marine ecosystem, leading to changes in species interactions, population dynamics, and overall ecosystem health.