Mountains in the Sea: Food Web Mystery

Abstract

In this activity, students will focus on some unique aspects of food webs in the vicinity of seamounts. They will be able to describe typical marine food webs, and explain why food is generally scarce in the deep-ocean environment. They will then discuss reasons why seamounts may be able to support a higher density of biological organisms than would appear to be possible considering food available from primary production at the ocean's surface. In addition to being tied to the National Science Education Standards, the hands-on, inquiry-based activities includes focus questions, background information for teachers, links to interesting websites, and extensions. Educational levels: Middle school