Killer whale population in decline : how is the decreasing population of Southern Resident killer whales connected to prey selection and availability?
Overview: The population of Southern Resident killer whales has been on the decline for decades, dropping 20% since the mid 1990s. Starvation appears to be a factor in the deaths of many of these whales. The Southern Resident killer whales survive mainly on a diet of Chinook salmon, which is another...
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| Format: | Course Material |
| Language: | English |
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Oregon Marine Scientist and Educator Alliance
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| Online Access: | https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/defaults/kh04dx25p |
| Summary: | Overview: The population of Southern Resident killer whales has been on the decline for decades, dropping 20% since the mid 1990s. Starvation appears to be a factor in the deaths of many of these whales. The Southern Resident killer whales survive mainly on a diet of Chinook salmon, which is another species in decline due to a variety of human impacts. In this lesson, students explore how the selective feeding practices of Southern Resident killer whales contribute to their declining numbers. Learning Goals: Students will learn the following: • Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) and Chinook salmon populations are in significant decline due to the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems. • Environmental changes affect food web dynamics. • SRKWs and juvenile Chinook salmon are selective feeders. • Effective species recovery plans for SRKW and Chinook salmon include an understanding of ecosystem relationships. |
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