Scientists believe that global warming is affecting the movement of many of Australian's seaweed species. Possibly affecting some species so much that they become extinct.http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/ocean-warming-sends-australian-seaweed-south-and-possibly-into-extinction.html
Summary
Studies from the Univeristy of Western Australia are showing baffling data concerning species of seaweed that are native to Australian water. Global warming is affecting the water temperature therefore changing many species' living conditions and usual habitat habits. These studies show seaweed communities moving southward, possibly reaching the continential shelf and facing almost certain extinction. Another possibility of seaweed moving locations is that the animals that depend on seaweed for food and shelter could become threatened or extinct. Seaweed is a huge part in the ocean ecosystem, without it almost all species would die off.
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I never knew that seaweed could migrate or depended on the temperature of water for survival. Seaweed is such an important part in ocean ecosystems, so many different species depend on them for shelter and food. This is really surprising to me to learn that it is a very good possibility for species of seaweed to become extinct if we don't change our ways fast.
1.) What are some species of seaweed found in Australia?
2.) What kinds of animal species depend on seaweed for survival?
3.) How many different species of seaweed are there?
4.) Do you think that seaweed extinction will affect oceans deeply? Why?
I think that it is very odd how much water temperature affects seaweed growth. If we do not do anything to prevent this loss of seaweed, we will see a massive loss of marine life because of how much seaweed provides for various animals in the ocean environment. So we must save the seaweed!
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Some species of animals that depend on seaweed are green and dugong turtles and many types of small fish and prawns use the seaweed as protection.
Who knew that global warming would hurt seaweed populations. Its amazing how whole ecosystems depend on this key stone species and without it that ecosystem will be destroyed.
ReplyDeletewhy will seaweed die at the continental shelf
what can be done to save the seaweed
what is the deepest depth that seaweed can live at
I never really knew that they were a main species in food chains... All I can think of to say is that if they are affected by the global warming situation (which is still under severe debate by scientists), then we need to reverse it. Stop polluting, stop being greedy and just start helping our planet heal before we lose not only this species that affects so many, but others too.
ReplyDeleteQuestion #1: There are about 2000 different species of seaweed, 2 of them are Caulerpa filiformia and Ecklonia radiata
yet again that was emily gatto, the thing doesnt enjoy publishing my name...
ReplyDeleteSeaweed is a keystone species, and like most we didnt realise that until too late. I wonder what other things we might miss until its too late? I personally didnt think seaweed was that important, except maybe as a weather monitor. I have used it to predict storms before.
ReplyDeleteI think that seaweed extinction would affect a lot of different animals in the ocean, and a lot of humans too. Firstly it would deprive many animals a food source, and secondly it would deprive them of air. And it would also deprive me of a weather forcast more accurate than the news.