Identifying and Differentiating
between Seals and the Sea Lions.

Focus

By the end of this assignment your group should be able to

• identify and differentiate between the California Sea Lion, the Northern (Steller) Sea Lion, the Harbor Seal and the Elephant Seal by comparing external anatomical features of each organism.
• relate the structure and behaviour of the seals and sea lions to their survival at Race Rocks
• give examples of how the differences in individuals of the same species may give an advantage in surviving and reproducing
• discuss how changes in these organismsê habitat can affect the survival of individuals as well as the entire species

Find and Filter

You will be separated into groups to gather information on the four types of seals and sea lions found at Race Rocks, using the attached pinniped work sheet. If you find words for which you do not know the meaning, use the vocabulary builder.

After you have completed your information gathering, get together with the rest of your group and answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper.

1. From your online observations, discuss how the environment differs at Race Rocks throughout the day.
2. Describe the Race Rocks ecosystem
3. Why do you think these four types of seals and sea lions choose to live at Race Rocks?
4. What niche (role) do each of your organisms fill in the Race Rocks ecosystem?
5. What are the main differences between your organism and those of your group partners?
6. Why may there be differences in size between males and females of same or different species and how may this larger or smaller size give them an advantage in surviving and reproducing?
7. From the information you obtained on what seals and sea lions eat, draw a food web for Race Rocks.
8. Do these organisms compete with one another for food? Why or why not do you think?

Communicate

Prepare a poster board with information on your seals or sea lions and present it to the class.

You will need the following information on your presentation.

• Title
• Pictures of your organism
• Answers to the questions above.
• Any other information you consider interesting or important to the rest of the class.

Reflection

One of the species that part of your group studied today is on the endangered list. Consider the causes for the decline of its population and discuss what you think you can do to help preserve this species from dying out.

Assessment

Go to the assessment page where your teacher will lead you through a discussion about expectations for this assignment.