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Ecosystem of the Gulf Sturgeon: Characteristics, Energy Flow, and Climate Change Impacts

Explore the ecosystem of the Gulf Sturgeon, including its characteristics, energy flow, and the influence of climate change on its population. Discover the interdependent food web and understand the effects of algal blooms, storms, and rising sea levels. Let's dive in!

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Ecosystem of the Gulf Sturgeon: Characteristics, Energy Flow, and Climate Change Impacts

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  1. Ecosystem of the Gulf SturgeonSlides adapted from Kelly Cook DRL-1316782

  2. Ecosystem of theGulf Sturgeon Researcher Matt Balazik prepares to tag this sturgeon with an ultrasonic marker (NOAA)

  3. Gulf Sturgeon Characteristics Below and Right: Spawning grounds for Gulf Sturgeon (US Fish & Wildlife) • Anadromous – Lives in marine environment, spawns in freshwater • Habitat – Organisms natural environment • Niche – Function of an organism in its community

  4. Energy Flow Solar Energy Heat Carnivores (zooplankton/fish) Heat Heat Herbivores (zooplankton) Primary Producers (phytoplankton) Heat Decomposers (bacteria) Nutrients Nutrients (N, P, C, etc) Energy

  5. Trophic Pyramid (feeding) • How efficient is eating? • 10% of energy is transferred • Everything else is lost as heat Relative Biomass

  6. Gulf Sturgeon Food Web Image courtesy NOAA Food Web – System of interdependent food chains

  7. Climate ChangeInfluence on Populations • More frequent Algal Blooms/Red Tides • Increasing major storms • Warmer water • Sea level rise • Saltwater intrusion Hurricane Isabel disrupts coastal habitats (NOAA) Red tide along Gulf Coast (NOAA) Sturgeon swimming to spawning ground (NOAA)

  8. Summary • Gulf Sturgeon Characteristics • Energy Flow • Trophic Pyramid • Gulf Sturgeon Food Web • Gulf Sturgeon Characteristics • Climate Change Influence on Populations • Now…

  9. Let’s Play!

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