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Last updated in September, 2000

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     In the Great Lakes region there are many kinds of organisms living in the water, on the land around the lakes, and in the air above them. Each is adapted to the place where it lives (its habitat) and the way of living (niche) it has there. This page will introduce some natives, some newcomers, and some that are disappearing. They all make up the biological diversity of the Great Lakes.  Use the related links below to learn how they related to each other and their habitats. Follow the concept map to select more specified links.
1. Where does the life zone of the Great Lakes begin? 
2. How far does it extend? 
3. How do living things relate to nonliving aspects of the Great Lakes system? 
4. Develop a dichotomous key that others can use to identify at least four fish species. Identify these four using the reference links provided. 
5. Compare the fish found in the different Great Lakes. Why aren't there many yellow perch in Lake Superior, or whitefish in Lake Erie?
 
1. ES-EAGLS: Life in The Great Lakes
2. The Great Lake Erie
   Chap.13. History of Changes in the Lake Erie Fishery 
3. Great Lakes Instructional Materials for the Changing Earth System

For more information, please visit Ohio Sea Grant's website.
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1. Lake-Aware Kids Engaged in Relevant Science
  • What do scientists know about Great Lakes invader species? 
    • 2. The Great Lake Erie
  •  Ch. 13. History of Changes in the Lake Erie Fishery 
    • 3. Great Lakes Instructional Materials for the Changing Earth System
  • What do scientists know about Great Lakes invader species and the effects of global change on them? 
  • How will global warming affect Great Lakes fish? 
    • 4. Earth Systems - Education Activities for Great Lakes Schools

        Life in the Great Lakes 

  • How does a dichotomous key work? 
  • What are the characteristics of some Great Lakes fish?
  • How do fish get their names? 
  • How are shorebirds adapted for feeding? 
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    		1. Fish of the Great Lakes
     http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/publications/Fish/index.html

    2. Birds of the Great Lakes
     http://www.cciw.ca/glimr/metadata/atlas-contam-birdeggs-89-92/intro.html

    3. Great Lakes Fishtank
     http://www.glfc.org/fishtank.htm

    4. Great Lakes Plants
     http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/25water/flower/

    5. Endangered Species in the Great Lake States
     http://www.nceet.snre.umich.edu/EndSpp/lake.html

    6. Great Lakes Fishery Commission
     http://www.glfc.org/

    7. Ohio Division of Wildlife
    http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/wildlife/index.html

    Copyright 1999. Ohio Sea Grant College Program and Earth Systems Education Program of The Ohio State University


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