slides for notes

1. Seaweed
Seaweed is a type of algae
that grows in marine
environments. Through
photosynthesis, seaweed is
able to make its own food
using energy from the sun.
This producer is eaten by
marine animals such as
small fish, sea urchins and
mussels.

2. Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton are a type of
microalgae and make their
own food through
photosynthesis. They are a
key component in marine
environments and even help
produce most of the oxygen
found in both marine (ocean)
and terrestrial (land)
ecosystems! These
producers are eaten by filter
feeders like sea urchins and
mussels.

3. Sea Urchin
Sea urchins are spiny little
creatures related to starfish
and sea cucumbers. Even
though they are covered in
spines, sea urchins are
preyed upon by other marine
animals. These consumers
are commonly eaten by birds
such as herring gulls or
aquatic mammals like otters.

4. Mussel
Mussels are a shelled
animal related to snails and
clams and oysters. These
animals have a hard shell to
protect themselves, but
these consumers are still
able to be eaten by other
animals like herring gulls,
lobsters, seals and even
humans. Yum!

5. Small Fish
Small fish in the ocean
make up a large portion of
the primary consumers
there. Because these types
of fish are so small, they
aren’t very adapted to
hunting so most feed on
plants and algae. These
little guys are eaten by
various marine animals
such as herring gulls and
prawns.

6. Herring
Gull
Herring gulls are a large
species of coastal bird.
They are commonly called
“seagulls” and are found
abundantly in North
America. These consumers,
if unlucky, can be eaten by
seals if they are caught
while floating in the water.

7. Seal
Seals are semi-aquatic
animals, meaning they live
on land but spend a lot of
their time in the water.
These mammals may look
cute and cuddly, but they
are carnivorous predators
related to sea lions and
walruses. However, these
consumers are still eaten by
other predators such as
orcas.

8. Lobster
Lobsters are large
crustaceans related to crabs
and crayfish. These
consumers are omnivorous
and eat many other marine
animals along with plant life
occasionally. Their hard
shells and claws are used
for protection, but lobsters
are still preyed on by
animals like seals and
humans. Red Lobster
anyone?

9. Prawn
Commonly called “shrimp”,
prawns are typically larger
than your standard shrimp,
but are also related to crabs
and krill like shrimp. These
crustaceans help act as
decomposers by eating
decaying material along
with their usual food items.
Prawns can be eaten by
seals and even herring
gulls if they are caught.

10. Orca
Orca whales or Killer
whales are large aquatic
mammals. Found in groups
called pods, these predators
are at the very top of the
food chain. Specifically
known as apex predators,
nothing eats them. Killer
whales have been known to
eat a variety of prey such as
sharks, stingrays, herring
gulls, and even other
whales.