Introduction to Oceanography: Biotic
Northern Sea Robin
Prionotus carolinus
Basic Research Question: How and why does the abundance of Northern Sea Robins in Long Island Sound change with the seasons?
Part A: Read the Background Information
About the Species
The northern sea robin is a species of gurnard that is common along the east coast of the United States from southern New England and New York to North Carolina. Long Island Sound is at the northern edge of its range. They can be found in estuaries near the coast to the continental shelf, preferring sandy bottoms where they prey on benthic animals. They are opportunistic feeders, preying mainly on invertebrates, like segmented worms, crabs, shrimp, and squid, but also on baitfish. They can dig up buried prey using their broad snout and the lower three rays of their wing-like pectoral fins.
These fish can grow over 40cm (around 15 inches). They spawn from late spring through summer. The female lays its eggs over sand, and the parents do not care for the eggs or young. For more information, visit their profile with the Chesapeake Bay Program here.
Part B: Prediction and Reasoning
Study the background information provided on winter flounder, and take the virtual tour of the Enviro-Lab to learn how they are caught. Write answers to the following prompts on your sheet of paper.
1. Make a prediction: In what month(s) would you expect to find the most northern sea robins in Long Island Sound?
2. Explain Your Reasoning: Why do you think northern sea robins will be most abundant at that time?
Part C: Analyze the Data
Look at the dataset below. On your piece of paper, illustrate the data by making a graph. Your graph should have clear labels on both the x-axis and the y-axis. The type of graph (scatterplot, column graph, etc) is up to you.
This table shows the number of northern sea robins captured each month by students trawling aboard Project Oceanology’s research vessel, the Enviro-lab. Project Oceanology does not trawl in January and February.
Part D: Interpret the Results and Make Arguments from Evidence
On your sheet of paper, answer the following questions:
1. Make a claim that answers the research question (one sentence).
2. What evidence was used to write your claim? Reference specific parts of your graph.
3. Explain your reasoning. Make sure to connect your answer to what you have learned about the biology of northern sea robins.
4. Was your prediction supported by the results? Use evidence and background information to explain why or why not.
5. Use what you have learned about northern sea robins in Long Island Sound to answer the following: how is the biological community living in Long Island Sound influenced by abiotic factors such as temperature? Be sure to explain your reasoning.
6. How would you follow up? Describe a new question that should be investigated to build on these results, and what future data should be collected to answer your question.
Congratulations! Your final analysis should include the following components:
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A statement of the research question that you chose/were assigned
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Your prediction and your reasoning
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Your labeled graph
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Your answers to the results questions
Share your results with your teacher!