How to Play
Learn the Features
Before you start a game, visit the Learn the Features page from the Play Menu to look over the different features of fish and plankton. This section is not timed or graded. It will teach you how to correctly describe these marine creatures, which can increase your performance in the game.
Species Identification Game
You are a marine biology intern joining a research team on the island of Bermuda in the Atlantic Ocean. Your goal is to correctly identify fish and plankton as quickly as possible. In each round you will identify 5 fish (for the Beginner round) or 5 plankton (for the Advanced round). Answer each question about the features of the organism you are looking at to work your way through the identification key. To view the Tree or A/B Identification Keys, click the arrow to expand that key.
Once you correctly identify a species, click the About This Fish/Plankton section for a full description of the features and information on the animal's behavior.
At the end of the round, you can print your results and download the complete keys.
Game Score
You will be given a summary of your results at the end of each round. During the game, you receive points based on how many correct identifications you make as well as your speed. The maximum number of points that you can gain each round is 750. You score is calculated using the below point system:
- Every correctly identified species = +100 points
For each image identified:
- Image identified within 10 seconds: +50 points
- Image identified within 20 seconds: +30 points
- Image identified within 30 seconds: +10 points
Field Notes
Each animal that you correctly identify is added to your Field Notes. View your Field Notes from the Play Menu to see which species you have identified and to review information about them. Return to the game to play again and to collect more species. Can you collect all 18 fish and 12 plankton species?
Buttons
- Read basic simulation instructions
- Turn the sound off or back on
- Return to the main menu