Energy in Coastal Food Webs
Learning Objective
I can describe the flow of energy in a coastal food web.
Lesson Flow
Watch Video
Exploring Ecosystems: Coastal Food Webs | California Academy of Sciences
California Academy of Sciences
Guided Notes
Key concepts students will learn:
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In a coastal food web, sea otters are considered a keystone species because they control the population of sea urchins, which eat kelp.
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A food web represents the transfer of energy between species through trophic interactions, such as predator-prey relationships.
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Removing a keystone species like the sea otter can cause cascading effects, leading to urchin blooms and reduced kelp beds, thus disrupting the flow of energy.
Practice
10 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
“Describe how energy flows from kelp to sea otters in the coastal food web. Include sea urchins in your description.”
Teacher Guide
Get the complete package:
- Answer keys for all questions
- Differentiation strategies
- Extension activities
- Printable student handouts
