Students will explore the Antarctic food web, the physical and behavioural adaptations of the animals that make it up and discover techniques for estimating populations sizes. They will explore major components of this ecosystem from plankton and krill, to sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. The activities will lead to an understanding of food webs, animals and their adaptations, and the effect of introduced species.

Weddell pup climbing out of ice hole during spring. Photo: Didier Monselesan

• What is the nature and dynamics of the Antarctic food web and what threat do introduced species pose?
• What are the particular physical and behavioural characteristics of krill, albatrosses, penguins and seals? How have they adapted to the Antarctic environment?
• How do we estimate the numbers of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic animals?

The activities will lead to an understanding of food webs, animals and their adaptations to the harsh Antarctic environment, and the effect of introduced species. They look at sampling techniques and analyse data. They develop both an understanding of how every species in the ecosystem is interdependent, and develop an awareness of environmental issues.

Activities are currently being developed on Antarctic phytoplankton and fish.

MATERIALS

Useful information - books, videos, websites and places to visit - is listed in the references and resources section.