Part 3/10:
Marine ecologists and geologists alike study the canyon's lush ecosystems. Sharon Goldstein, a marine ecologist, conducts field research to track fluctuations in whale populations. Using hydrophones, researchers like Roger Williams can listen for the clicking sounds emitted by sperm whales while they hunt. This technique enables them to assess the whales' behavior and population health. Healthy whale populations typically indicate a thriving marine environment. The basis of this food chain lies in plankton—microscopic organisms that serve as the primary food source for various marine creatures, culminating in sustaining the region's larger predators, such as the sperm whale.