Karratha Senior High School

Year 12 TEE Biology

MODULE 4 – EXTENDED INVESTIGATION

Whale Sharks of Ningaloo Reef May 14th-21st

This extended investigation will follow my research on the Whale Shark of Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. While I am in the field studying these unique marine organisms, you will be completing the investigation using the information that Brad Norman and his team have provided along with continue updates from me using the following website: http://whalesharks.teachlive.org.au

You will need to:

1. Describe the marine environment found at the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park:

· The size of the study area

· The annual climate

· Type of reef

· Marine organisms (i.e. fish, crustacean coral, ect.)

2. Describe the Whale Shark of the study area:

· Brief description of the organism

· Scientific name

· Local population size

· Immigration and Emigration rate (as these are migratory animals please discuss the global population also)

· Preferred habitat within the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park

3. Construct a food web involving the organisms you have observed in this community.

4. Describe the feeding relationships/biotic relationships within the community.

5. Describe the signs and consequences of human intervention in this ecosystem:

· Tourism

· Economic value of the area

· Coastal development

This Assessment is worth 3% of your final mark.