- Most representative fauna of the Peruvian Sea
- Anchovy
- Humboldt Penguin
- Peruvian beaked whale
- Peruvian booby
- Leatherback turtle
- Southern Right Whale
- Nice
- Guanay
- Most representative flora of the Peruvian Sea
- Mococho
- Sargasso
- Mangroves
- Phytoplankton
- References
The flora and fauna of the Peruvian sea is characterized by the great diversity of species, which constitutes one of the most important hydrobiological riches in the world.
The Sea of Grau, as the Sea of Peru is also known, is considered one of the richest seas on the planet, since many of its species are used for human consumption, as well as for the production of fish oil.
Nice
The factors that influence its richness are the breadth of the continental base, the presence of the Niño and Humboldt currents, the upwelling phenomenon and the presence of phytoplankton.
Most representative fauna of the Peruvian Sea
Anchovy
It is one of the most important species in the Peruvian ecosystem, both for trade and for urban consumption. It feeds on plankton and is not the size of a pencil.
Humboldt Penguin
This species is in danger of extinction. It is located on Foca Island, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. In adulthood they weigh four kilos and measure seventy centimeters.
Peruvian beaked whale
A dark colored cetacean with a small triangular dorsal fin that feeds on squid, anchovies and shrimp. They have an evasive behavior and move in groups of three to seven specimens.
Peruvian booby
This water bird feeds on small fish such as anchovies. For reproduction, which occurs once a year, they migrate to the highlands of Peru.
Leatherback turtle
Considered the largest species of turtle in the world, it inhabits the subtropical seas of Peru. It basically feeds on jellyfish and is capable of swimming great distances in the sea, without having to go ashore.
Southern Right Whale
The indiscriminate hunting of one of the largest marine mammals on the planet, caused it to be considered today in danger of extinction.
Nice
Large fish, whose meat is estimated by the high protein content.
Guanay
It is the most numerous species of seabird in the country. It feeds on small fish such as the anchovy.
Most representative flora of the Peruvian Sea
Mococho
Also known as yuyo. It is used for human consumption, since they have a high content of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.
Sargasso
Abundant in places with little waves. Its dense leaves are a refuge for small fish. They get to measure up to fifteen meters long, remaining upright.
Mangroves
Vegetation capable of surviving in brackish waters. They offer protection to animals such as mollusks, fish and prawns.
Phytoplankton
Microscopic green algae. It is made up mostly of organisms called cyanobacteria and diatoms. It is the base of the food chain of marine ecosystems.
In recent years, both the flora and fauna of the Peruvian Sea have been affected by the consequences of climate change. Phytoplankton and zooplankton are affected by solar radiation, which ends up killing them.
In this way, there is greater emigration of marine species. The warming of the waters also produces an increase in the acidity of the sea.
References
- Luis Borda, "How does climate change affect marine species in Peru?", 2017. Retrieved on December 15, 2017 from rpp.pe
- Phillip Mason, “The 10 Most Common Peruvian Sea Animals”, 2017. Retrieved on December 15, 2017 from lifeperson.com
- Pedagogical folder. "Characteristics of the Peruvian sea" recovered on December 15 from Cienciageografica.carpetapedagogica.com