Fish Full of Antifreeze Protein Found Off the Coast of Greenland
Articles/Websites
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by American Museum of Natural History
What it is
- This resource highlights the juvenile variegated snailfish, which was found to produce the highest levels of specialized antifreeze proteins ever observed and is also the only polar fish to biofluoresce.
- Students will learn about the rates of sea ice decline in the Arctic regions and how these warming conditions are predicted to impact specialized species, such as this snailfish.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This resource includes a video with engaging and informative video footage.
- The scientists in this video provide descriptive explanations of both the challenges and unexpected discoveries involved in their work.
Additional Prerequisites
- It may be helpful for students to see where Greenland is located on a map to better understand its size and the oceans that surround it.
- Students may benefit from a brief explanation of bioluminescence before viewing this resource.
Differentiation
- Science classes could do a deeper dive into bioluminescence in species worldwide and why it is less common in Arctic species.
- Consider having students watch this video about the movement of Atlantic fish northward into Arctic waters and discuss the ecological implications of this, as well as the risks posed to the snailfish off the coast of Greenland.
- Science classes learning about habitats, ecosystems, or adaptations could compare both this resource about snailfish to this video featuring the relocation of bull trout due to increasing temperatures, and discuss increased threats to particular species.
- Provide students with an opportunity to learn more about ice loss in Greenland by watching this video and analyzing the corresponding data set.
From the scientist review
This resource spotlights how the juvenile variegated snailfish has the highest expression of antifreeze protein fluid ever recorded in the last 50 years to respond to extreme ice conditions in Greenland. Greenland is one of the tipping points and is adversely impacted by climate change. Most common species have migrated to favorable climates and few others are building new adaptive physiology to adapt to extreme conditions. This resource is insightful and is recommended for teaching.
How we review resourcesReady to use it?
Hosted on amnh.org
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
