2.

4 - Environmental Factors (Abiotic and Biotic) and Homeostasis

Effects of the
Environment on Kelp
Part #1: Kelp
Kelp is a large seaweed that typically has a long, tough stalk with broad
leaves called fronds divided into strips. Kelp has “air bladders” which help it
float upright toward the water’s surface. Some kinds grow to a very large
size and form underwater “forests” that support a large population of animals
as many invertebrates feed on them. With this knowledge, you will determine
how abiotic factors like water temperature, water clarity, carbon dioxide, and
oxygen affect the kelp since they form the base of food pyramids as
producers. ​Do your research or use prior knowledge to answer the
following questions.

1. What is the relationship between CO2 and O2 for kelp?

[Answer Here]

2. What is the relationship between temperature and kelp productivity?

[Answer Here]

3. What is the relationship between water clarity and kelp productivity?

[Answer Here]

4. Complete the table below by listing any direct effects these abiotic factors will have on kelp and how those may
indirectly affect other species in the food chain. [ ​See Species Card Here​ ]

Abiotic factor Direct effect on kelp Indirect effects on other

species in food chain
Temperature [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Oxygen [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Carbon dioxide [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Water clarity [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

 2.4 - Environmental Factors (Abiotic and Biotic) and Homeostasis

Effects of the Environment on the Sea Urchin

Part #2: Sea Urchin
Sea urchins are small, spiny, globular animals that, with
their close kin, such as sand dollars, constitute the class
Echinoidea of the echinoderm phylum. About 950 species
of echinoids inhabit all oceans from the intertidal to 5,000
metres (16,000 ft; 2,700 fathoms) deep. The shell of sea
urchins is round and spiny, typically from 3 to 10 cm (1.2
to 3.9 in) across and made of calcium carbonate.
Common colors on the Pacific coast are red and purple.
Sea urchins move slowly, feeding primarily on producers
like kelp. Sea otters, starfish, wolf eels, triggerfish, and
other predators hunt and feed on sea urchins. ​Do your
research or use prior knowledge to answer the following questions.

1. What is the relationship between CO2 and O2 for urchins?

[Answer Here]

2. What is the relationship between temperature and urchin survival?

[Answer Here]

3. What is the relationship between water clarity and urchin survival?

[Answer Here]

4. Complete the table below by listing any direct effects these abiotic factors will have on the urchin and how those
may indirectly affect other species in the food chain. [ ​See Species Card Here​ ]

Abiotic factor Direct effect on Sea Urchins Indirect effects on other

species in food chain
Temperature [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Oxygen [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Carbon dioxide [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Water clarity [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

 2.4 - Environmental Factors (Abiotic and Biotic) and Homeostasis

Effects of the Environment on

the Sea Otter
Part #3: Sea Otter
The heaviest members of the weasel family, sea otters are
also the second smallest of the marine mammals. Unlike
other marine mammals, they do not have a layer of blubber
to help them keep warm. Instead, sea otters have the
densest fur in the animal kingdom, ranging from 250,000 to a
million hairs per square inch, which insulates them. As
predators, sea otters are critical to maintaining the balance of
the near-shore kelp ecosystems. ​Do your research or use
prior knowledge to answer the following questions.

1. What is the relationship between CO2 and O2 for the otter?

[Answer Here]

2. What is the relationship between temperature and otter survival?

[Answer Here]

3. What is the relationship between water clarity and otter survival?

[Answer Here]

4. Complete the table below by listing any direct effects these abiotic factors will have on otters and how those may
indirectly affect other species in the food chain.[ ​See Species Card Here​ ]

Abiotic factor Direct effect on Sea Otters Indirect effects on other

species in food chain
Temperature [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Oxygen [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Carbon dioxide [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Water clarity [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

 2.4 - Environmental Factors (Abiotic and Biotic) and Homeostasis

Effects of the
Environment on the Orca
Part #4: Orca
The orca is a relatively small toothed whale
(Orcinus orca of the family Delphinidae) that is
black above with white underparts and white
oval-shaped patches behind the eyes. This
marine mammal attains a length of 20 to 30 feet
(6 to 9 meters), typically hunts in groups, and
preys chiefly on sea mammals (such as seals,
sea lions, and other whales), large fish, and squid. ​Do your research or use prior knowledge to answer the
following questions.

1. What is the relationship between CO2 and O2 for the orca?

[Answer Here]

2. What is the relationship between temperature and orca survival?

[Answer Here]

3. What is the relationship between water clarity and orca survival?

[Answer Here]

4. Complete the table below by listing any direct effects these abiotic factors will have on the orca and how those
may indirectly affect other species in the food chain. [ ​See Species Card Here​ ]

Abiotic factor Direct effect on Ocra Indirect effects on other

species in food chain
Temperature [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Oxygen [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Carbon dioxide [Answer Here] [Answer Here]

Water clarity [Answer Here] [Answer Here]