Discussion of Challenge Question #6
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Last time you explored Wayne Perryman’s graphs of calf production as well as what scientists think about gray whales and changing sea ice. We asked you:
- "What were the poorest years of calf production since gray whales came off the Endangered Species List?
- What might cause a good calf year? What might cause a bad calf year?”
Third graders from Ferrisburgh, VT, and seventh graders from Iselin Middle School did a good job of identifying the lowest years of calf production. All of you were well aware of the role of food and nourishment, and we hope you thought of the mother's nutrition as well as the calf's. You mentioned weather and warming, which affect the sea ice and the length of time the whales could stay and feed in the north. Read their full answers below, and then see what Wayne Perryman's research on cows, calves, and ice might mean.
"The poorest years of calf production since the gray whales are off the endangered Species List were the years 1999 and 2001. I think that a good calf year might be caused by having good food and plenty to eat. I think that the weather would be good, not a lot of storms. A bad year would be when there was a lot of storms and not a lot of food to eat. If there was pollution, that would make some of the food die and not have the whales have enough to eat. Predators are also bad news for whale calves."
Evan M.and Elan H. Grade 3, Ferrisburgh Central School (Ferrisburgh, VT)
"The years with the least amount of calf production since gray whales came off the endangered species list are 1999, 2000, 2001. When it rains or there is bad weather, less food available, food competition or burning fossil fuels which might cause warm ocean currents you see less calf production. However, when food is plentiful, less predators, and sunny and good weather the calf year is good and many more are seen."
Louis, Brian, Rizwan, Ronny, Parth, Alexis, Stephen, Elizabeth, Ruman, Akash, Rup, Ankur, and Mohammad. Iselin Middle School/Iselin, NJ
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More About Calf Production: Link to Lesson
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