Science Ocean Life Conceptual 12–14 yrs

Predator Loss and Ecosystem Effects

捕食者消失对生态系统的影响

Description

Quantify energy transfer efficiency through trophic levels (~10% rule); explain trophic cascades: how removing an apex predator triggers a chain of ecosystem changes (sea otters → sea urchin explosion → kelp forest collapse); define 'fishing down the food web'; evaluate evidence for ocean rewilding — shark reintroduction, whale recovery driving nutrient cycling; understand why ecosystem-based fisheries management is needed

Assessment Prompt

Can your child trace the chain of events that happened to Pacific kelp forests when sea otters were hunted almost to extinction — what domino effect did removing one species set off through the whole ecosystem?