In this activity, students will focus on adaptations of fishes living in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones of the deep ocean. The students will learn about the physical location of deep water habitats along the Hudson Shelf Valley and in Hudson Canyon; the basic characteristics of the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zone with regard to depth, temperature, pressure, light level and food availability; and how fishes living in these zones have adapted to survive in each respective habitat. Students will also learn that many fishes are bioluminescent, and will predict where scientists will find certain species of fish living in this region. In addition to being tied to the National Science Education Standards, the hands-on, inquiry-based activities includes focus questions, background information for teachers, links to interesting websites, and extensions. Educational levels: High school, Middle school
