Two seahorses mating
Unique Structures of Lined Seahorses and Oyster Toadfish
Grade 4
Lined seahorses and oyster toadfish are among many of the diverse and unique species found in the Chesapeake Bay. So, what do these two different species have in common? Well, they each have special structures that support their survival in the Bay. We will explore these interesting structures in this lesson.
Teacher's Guide and Related Standards
I can explain how the specialized structures of species of the Chesapeake Bay help them to survive.
- Why are specialized structures important for species like the Chesapeake Bay’s lined seahorse and oyster toadfish?
- What unique structures do the Chesapeake Bay’s lined seahorse and oyster toadfish have that help support their survival?
Creatures of the Chesapeake Clip
- What makes the lined seahorse so different from other Chesapeake Bay organisms?
- What external structures does the lined seahorse have that make it suitable to survive in the Bay environment?
- What makes the oyster toadfish so different from other Chesapeake Bay organisms?
- What external structures does the oyster toadfish have that make it suitable to survive in the Bay environment?
Vocabulary
Supplemental Enrichment Activities
Field Guide - Chesapeake Bay
Explore the Chesapeake Bay Field Guide to learn more about the many diverse species that inhabit the Bay. Have students develop arguments about what structures different organisms have that allow them to better survive in the Chesapeake Bay.
Structures and Functions of the Lined Seahorse and Oyster Toadfish
View the graphic organizers that lists unique structures of the lined seahorse and oyster toadfish mentioned in the video. For each structure, state its function that allows the organisms to better survive in the Chesapeake Bay.
Model of a Blue Crab and Oyster
Using the model, review the five main senses organisms use to help detect and process information. Have students explain which of the five senses the Chesapeake blue crab and moon jellyfish use with their sensory structures, and how those senses contribute to the sea creatures’ survival.
Career Connections