Science - The ecology of the bottlenose dolphins

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the ecology of the bottlenose dolphin and to apply scientific concepts (such as food webs and ecosystems) to an up-to-date and engaging case study.

This unit addresses the following Learning Objectives:

• Consider the position of the bottlenose dolphin in the marine food web
• Revise the terminology used in describing food chains and webs
• Look at the distribution of bottlenose dolphin populations on the west coast of Scotland
• Consider the threats to these populations
• Consider possible ways of managing and conserving these populations
• Understand that there are different management options.

The overall success criteria for the unit are:

• Students should be able to use the terminology used in describing food chains and webs
• They should be able to map the distribution of individuals within the populations and describe changes in populations over time
• They should be able to describe a number of threats to the species within the area
• They should understand the issues around management and conservation of a species in its’ natural habitat.

Success criteria for each activity should be discussed with the students during the introduction to the activity and will depend on their prior knowledge.

Curriculum: This work ties in to Standard Grade Topic 1, The Biosphere, subtopics a and b. There are also references to Purposes of the Curriculum for Excellence, ‘responsible citizens’ and ‘effective contributors,’ and to the Mathematics curriculum, through data usage, charts and graphs.

Activities: A series of classroom activities have been provided in this unit. They have been designed so that each activity can be used as a ‘stand alone’ activity if desired. 

• Marine munchies – Food chains and food webs in the marine environment
• Case study: The bottlenose dolphin in western Scotland (includes population size and distribution, do we need to protect the dolphins, bottlenose dolphin management and conservation scenario)
• Map of the west coast of Scotland: for use in the case study (above).
• Bottlenose dolphin background fact sheet