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The Race Rocks Ecosystem |
| OBJECTIVES: |
After doing this Assignment, you will be able to: |
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1. Apply the ecological definitions you have learned to the rocky intertidal ecosystem of Race Rocks.
2. Model the evidence for Energy Flow at Race Rocks
4. Model the evidence for Material Cycles at Race Rocks.
3. Use the elements Listed below to profile the ecological aspects of the Race Rocks ecosystem.
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| PROCEDURES: |
1. Use the list below as we proceed through the area to Race Rocks from Pedder Bay, as a guide to make notations on the features noted of the Race Rocks ecosystem. |
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2. List relationships and examples of various trophic levels to Produce an Energy Flow and Material Cycle Diagram for the island. |
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3. Provide evidence of the procedure for quantifying several of the abiotic factors at Race Rocks. |
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1. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION :
A) HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL
- Consider the kelp forest
- The intertidal zone
- Patchiness of Plankton
- Marine mammal haulouts
B) ABIOTIC FACTORS:
- Tidal Current- Note the effects of tidal currents on the way to Race Rocks. - Interfaces between currents produce edge effect.
- Tidal Height - How much does zonation in the intertidal reflect response to this abiotic factor?
- Wind- Krumholz vegetation. Bentinck Island evidence
- Swell- surge channels:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Light- Quality and Quantity- effects on Kelp epiphytic community
- Topographic: Link to bathymetry data
- Glacial Geomorphology- erratics, Glacial Striation- other evidence
- Nutrients- Nitrogen , Phosphorous
- Production of Microhabitats
- pH in green tidal pools
- Salinity in Tidepools- intertidal - rainfall effect.
- Vertical Mixing around the island Link to reference by Paul Macoun (PC yr 15)
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| C) BIOTIC FACTORS: |
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- Intertidal Biotic Pressures
- Biotic Associations- tank specimens- tidepools-
- Species of Race Rocks: Planktonic, Intertidal, Pelagic
- Adaptations of Organisms in this environment
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| D. FUNCTION OF ECOSYSTEMS:
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E. MATERIAL CYCLES:
- Nitrogen Fixation on the island
- Water
- Phosphorous- Guano
- Carbon
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F. ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCES:
- Restoration of Tank Farm --Link to Restoration Of Tank Farm Site
- Introduced Species..
- Habitat Modification- Blasting for helipad
- Whale watching in the MPA : Link to Guidelines
- Grass cutting and grass cover restoration areas.
- Metals in Tidepool Areas
- Oil Spill.
- Sewage Disposal- with composting toilets... nutrient recycling??
- Energy Production- Diesel Generators vs Alternate- as part of the system. Link to Sustainable Energy site
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| Link to Race Rocks Environmental Data Site
Link to Acoustical Imaging- for topographic data
Link to Seabed Imaging at Race Rocks for effect of substrate and depth on biotic communities
Link to Restoration Of Tank Farm Site
Link to Vertical Mixing
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