guest lec

what are some of the topics that applied to what you have learned this semester ( bioaccumulation, migration, animal behavior)

• Bioaccumulation

  • Domoic Acid 

    • Result of algae & phytoplankton blooming -> fish eat them -> bioaccumulation -> sea lions & seals eat them -> get poisoned -> seizures, brain damage, heart issues

    • Causes strandings in dolphins & whales

what are some of the threats to these animals?

• Adults

• Subadult

• Pups & weaners

• Domic acid

• Cancer

• Entanglement, Leptospirosis

• Entanglements,Malnutrition

• Stranding

What are the reasons they come to the center?

Injury, disease/ sickness, entanglement etc.

Which chemical is linked to cancer in sea lions?

DDT

Where is this chemical bioaccumulated in the marine mammal’s body? Which system and why?

• Blubber; part of the integumentary system because DDT is lipid soluble

What is the food source of these organisms? 

• Fish

In which organism is domoic acid produced? What trophic level is this?

Produced by the algae; tropic level is primary producer

What type of toxin is this? What part of the mammal’s physiology does it affect?

• Domoic acid a neurotoxim; affects the nervous system

What is the difference in biomagnification vs bioaccumulation

Biomagnification is the increase in toxins as you go up the trophic chain,Bioaccumulation is the buildup of toxins in an organism over time

What symptoms does this present in marine mammals?

seizures, erratic behavior, lethargy, and head bobbing/weaving

What type of whale was stranded in our own city harbor?

• Subadult Minke whale

Which type of whales are bottom feeders?

Gray whales

What months are most sea lions born?

Peak months are may to june

What is the term for the process of determining cause of death?

Necropsy