Exploring the Arctic Ecosystem
The Arctic ecosystem is a fascinating and intricate web of life where each species plays a crucial role. At the heart of
this ecosystem are tiny organisms called phytoplankton. These microscopic plants drift near the ocean's surface, using
sunlight to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Phytoplankton are the primary producers in
the Arctic food web, providing energy for a wide variety of creatures.
One of the main consumers of phytoplankton is krill, small, shrimp-like animals. Krill are a vital food source for many
larger animals, including sh, birds, and even whales. Zooplankton, which are near microscopic animals and larvae,
feed on phytoplankton as well. These tiny creatures are an essential link in the food chain, transferring energy from the
producers to higher levels.
The food web becomes more complex as you move up. Seals are skilled hunters that feed on sh and krill. They are, in
turn, prey for killer whales, the apex predators of the Arctic. Killer whales are powerful creatures that feed on seals,
sh, and sometimes even other whales. Jelly sh, while less common, also play a role in this ecosystem by feeding on
smaller zooplankton and sometimes even sh larvae.
Additionally, barnacles are small marine crustaceans that attach themselves to surfaces like rocks and the bottom of
boats. They compete for resources such as space and food, primarily ltering plankton from the water. This competition
can affect their population; if barnacles are too high in numbers, they may deplete the available food resources, and
their population will decrease. They also compete with other types, or species, of barnacles for the same resources.
If phytoplankton were removed from this food web, it would cause a signi cant disruption. Without phytoplankton,
krill and zooplankton populations would decline, leading to a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. Animals that rely
on krill for food, like sh and whales, would struggle to nd enough to eat. The Arctic ecosystem can also be disrupted
by human actions, such as pollution and climate change. Melting ice reduces the habitat available for seals and polar
bears, while pollution can poison the water, harming all levels of the food web.
Fill in the blank with the correct words.
Possible word bank: photosynthesis
krill
killer whales
sun
phytoplankton
Phytoplankton get their energy form the ____________.
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The process that phytoplankton use to make food is called ________________.
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4.
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____________________ are the top predators in the Arctic ecosystem.
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3.
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________________ are small, shrimp-like animals that feed on phytoplankton.
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2.
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_______________________ are the primary producers in the Arctic food web.
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1.
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name_________________________________ period________
zooplankton
seals
Choose the correct answer from the choices for each question.
1. What is the main role of phytoplankton in the Arctic ecosystem?
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a) Predator
b) Producer
c) Decomposer
d) Consumer
2. Which animal is known as an apex predator in the Arctic?
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a) Seal
b) Krill
c) Jelly sh
d) Killer whale
3. What would likely happen if zooplankton disappeared?
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a) Increase in jelly sh population
b) Decline in krill population
c) More phytoplankton growth
d) Increase in sh population
4. What process allows phytoplankton to make their own food?
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a) Digestion
b) Fermentation
c) Photosynthesis
d) Respiration
5. Which is a potential threat to the Arctic ecosystem?
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a) Increased sunlight
b) Melting ice
c) More krill
d) Stable temperatures
Open-Ended Questions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
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What is the difference between phytoplankton and zooplankton
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1.