Walruses

Let's Learn About Walruses

To understand keystone species, we must talk about keystones. In a bridge, the middle stone that supports the bridge is called the keystone. If the keystone is removed, the bridge will collapse.

Similarly, a keystone species is a plant or animal that is so important that, if removed, its environment would collapse.

Walruses are a keystone species because they mix nutrients into the water when feeding. They stir up sand with their powerful flippers to uncover prey. Nutrients and small organisms trapped in the sand mix into the water. These released nutrients help algae, especially phytoplankton, grow.

Phytoplankton are then eaten by small animals, which are eaten by larger animals, and so on! The ocean food web would collapse without walruses stirring nutrients into the water for the phytoplankton.

Walruses are also important because they control the population of clams and mussels. Walruses eat thousands of them in a single meal. The remaining clams and mussels have more space and resources to grow and survive. 

Unfortunately, walruses are vulnerable to extinction due to threats like climate change. If walruses become extinct, the entire Arctic Ocean ecosystem is at risk. Keep reading to learn how you can protect walruses in the Conservation Corner.

BRAIN BLAST

Predict what would happen to the ocean ecosystem if walruses went extinct?

Conservation Corner

The Affect of Climate Change on the Arctic

What Is Climate Change? 

Climate change is the change of weather patterns around the world due to greenhouse gases.

What Are Greenhouse Gases?

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat near the Earth’s surface. These gases are made when burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, etc.) to make usable energy, like electricity.

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Climate change affects different parts of the world in different ways. Deserts are becoming drier while the tropics are having larger, more frequent storms. Climate change is causing many areas, such as the Arctic, to warm.

In the Arctic, thousands of miles of sea ice form in the winter. Then, as summer arrives, most of the winter ice melts. Animals like polar bears, seals, and walruses rely on the pattern of forming and melting sea ice to rest, feed, and have their offspring. 

As the Arctic warms, the sea ice takes longer to form in the winter. It also melts faster in the summer. Sea ice that used to stay frozen all summer has started to disappear. Scientists worry that the population size of Arctic animals will continue to shrink if we don’t stop climate change. 

Luckily, we can help! The best way to stop climate change is to stop making greenhouse gases. We can do that by using less energy. Turn off electronics and avoid buying new products (it takes energy to make them!). Instead, buy already-loved items or trade with your friends. You can also encourage your local community to switch to renewable energy. Learn more here! 

Identify what walruses use their tusks for by marking "yes" or "no" for each task.

Walrus Challenge