Oceanic Food Web

Office of Biological and Environmental Research of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research Information System (BERIS)

This visualization illustrates the carbon cycle throughout the oceanic zones, beginning at the surface and traveling to the deep. The concept map-like connections encourage students to link the abiotic and biotic interactions within the oceanic food web.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Image could be used to help high school or undergraduate students make more complex connections in understanding pelagic marine food webs. A single organism could be highlighted and the path of energy traced throughout its interactions. Food web could be viewed in terms of oceanic levels, and students could compare interactions based on depth. Can use as pre- and post- test with questions.
The dynamic interactions of a marine pelagic food web are always challenging to document. This visualization does a good job at introducing some of the major players in a food web and initiating the connections for students. The additional text explaining the carbon flow and the references provided give educators the background needed to clarify misconceptions.