ORSEA: Killer Whale Population in Decline

Orca chases a salmon

Lesson Overview

How is the decreasing population of Southern Resident killer whales connected to prey selection and availability?
Students explore how the selective feeding practices of Southern Resident killer whales contribute to their declining numbers. (Gr 9-12)

Lesson Materials Media
Program Name and Website
Oregon Marine Scientist and Educator Alliance
Grade Level
High School
Year
2020
Topic
Fish
Mammals
Author
Carisa Ketchen, Toledo Jr/Sr High School
Mark McLaughlin, Neah-Kah-Nie High School
Elizabeth Daly, Oregon State University

Lesson Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

  • LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
  • LS2.B - Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
  • LS2.C - Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
  • LS4.B - Natural Selection
  • LS4.C - Adaptation

Common Core Math Standards

  • HSS.ID.A.1
  • HSS.ID.A.2
  • HSS.ID.A.3
  • HSS.ID.B.5
  • HSS.ID.B.6
  • HSS.ID.C.7
  • HSS.ID.C.8

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