Introduction to Oceanography: Biotic
Winter Flounder
Pseudopleuronectes americanus
Basic Research Question: How and why does the abundance of Winter Flounder in Long Island Sound change with the seasons?
Part A: Read the Background Information
About the Species
Winter flounder are a right-eyed flatfish with a relatively small mouth, typically feeding on small invertebrates like shrimp and worms. They are found in estuaries and on the continental shelf of the Northwest Atlantic, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada to North Carolina.
Winter flounder can live for over 15 years and grow up to 70 cm (over 2 feet). They spawn during the winter and spring months in shallow inshore waters, where they deposit their eggs on sandy bottoms and algal mats. For more information on the winter flounder, visit their NOAA species profile 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 winter flounder in Long Island Sound?
2. Explain Your Reasoning: Why do you think winter flounder 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 winter flounder 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 winter flounder.
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 winter flounder 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!