Ecosystem Structure

This chapter focuses on ecosystem structure. Ecosystem can be viewed as how the sun's energy is captured and passed from plants to animals and then from animals to animals and the strategies that animals have evolved to capture a share of that energy, use it, and flourish in the Gulf of Alaska. Marine animals thrive in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for two basic reasons: (1) the ecosystem is productive, and a lot of food is available to animals living there, and (2) a small number of successful species in the Gulf made the most of the available energy by organizing themselves, as revolving body forms, physiology, and behaviors that allow them to successfully withstand the rigors of the subarctic ocean, capture food, grow, and reproduce faster than they themselves are eaten, harvested, or fall victims to contaminants or disease. The chapter explores the changing structure of the ecosystem during a typical year. The survival strategies of the key species of fish, birds, and mammals that tie them to their habitats are also discussed.