Zooplankton Migration Patterns

Zooplankton Migration Patterns at Scotton Landing, Delaware: Behavioral Adaptations
written by Lauren Zodl, University of Delaware

Summary
Zooplankton have evolved specific migration patterns that increase their chances of survival. These migrations patterns are behavioral adaptations and they are unique to each species of zooplankton. Students will determine how zooplankton from the St. Jones River migrate and how these adaptations increase their chances of survival.

Essential Question
How do behavioral adaptations of zooplankton, specifically their migration patterns, increase their chances of survival?

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Addressed
LS1.A: Structure and Function
LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organism
LS1.D: Information Processing
LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
LS2.D: Interactions and Group Behavior

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