1. By: Marina Spratt

2. What is Biodiversity? Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life. This can refer to genetic variation, species variation, or ecosystem variation within an area, biome, or planet. The Wildlife branch is responsible for biodiversity and species at risk. Even though we may not live on the coast, ocean wildlife still affects us in a lot of ways and because of this, we need to make a better effort to preserve it.

3. Appearance A dolphins coloration varies, but they are generally gray in color with darker backs than the rest of their bodies. Dolphins have a streamlined fusiform body, adapted for fast swimming. The tail fin, called the fluke, is used for propulsion while the pectoral fins, together with the entire tail section, provide directional control. The dorsal fin, in those species that have one, provides stability while swimming. Unlike most mammals, dolphins do not have hair, except for a few hairs around the tip of their rostrum (beak) which they lose shortly before or after birth.

4. Adaptations To help dolphins save oxygen while they dive underwater, their heart beats slower during a dive and their blood is diverted from other parts of the body to their heart, lungs, and brain. Dolphins also save oxygen via their muscles, which have a protein called myoglobin, which in turn stores oxygen. Dolphins work together to find food, often "herding" school of small fish up onto reefs and sandbars. The dolphins then work together, taking turns to feed while the other dolphins keep the fish herded. Dolphins sleep with just part of their brain, so that the other part remains constantly on alert for danger.

5. Habitat Dolphins are found living in bodies of water around the world. They tend to stick to the shallow areas of the water found along the continental shelves. Most of them live in saltwater but they can also live in freshwater locations. Only a handful of the species though are known to thrive in freshwater regions. Dolphins tend to like areas that have warmer temperatures too. However, sometimes they are found in colder water due to the need for food. Migration is a big part of life for all dolphins. They have to move where there is food so the amount of migrating they will do can vary.

6. Classification Kingdom : Animilia(Animals) Phylum : Chordata(Chordates) Class : Mammalia(Mammals) Subclass: Eutheria Order : Cetacea(Cetaceans) Suborder: Odontoceti(Odontocetes) Family : Delphinidae(Marine Dolphins) Genus : Tursiops Species : truncatus Dolphins would also be classified as a consumer.

7. Role in the Food Web All types of dolphins are situated very high in their respective food chains, and they are generally considered apex predators. Indeed, the only regular predators dolphins and their calves have in the wild are sharks and, in some places, humans.

8. Why are they at risk? Entanglement- Like whales, dolphins are susceptible to entanglement in commercial fishing gear. Habitat Loss- River dolphins share their habitat with a large percentage of the world's population which is threatening their existence. Commercial Harvest- Some dolphin species are harvested as a food source. Despite containing toxic levels of contaminants such as heavy metals in their flesh, some countries continue to consume them. Climate Change- Has a multitude of effects on the oceans which can have adverse impacts on marine mammals such as dolphins. As ocean temperatures rise from climate change, prey populations can be affected. Pollution/Toxins- Pollution from human activities results in substances like PCB's, heavy metals, and pesticides being present in the environment.

9. Current Strategy for Recovery There are many ways we can help conserve the dolphin population. These include: o Adopting a dolphin o Raising money to fund conservation programs o Raising awareness o Promote less pollution o Voicing your concerns