Marine biologyLesson 1 of 2 in the course Marine animals

Marine Biology: Habitats, Ocean Life, and Research

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Marine biology is the scientific study of organisms that inhabit the sea and the ways they live in marine environments. This lesson introduces the field and the major ways scientists classify ocean habitats.

Marine biology studies organisms in relation to their marine environment. Since some members of the same biological group live on land while others live in the sea, marine biology commonly groups organisms according to environment, not only according to their taxonomic relationships. Its subject matter includes species that live entirely in the ocean and species whose lives are closely connected to it.

All flashcards

What is marine biology?
The scientific study of organisms that inhabit the sea and their relationships with marine environments.
What is marine ecology?
The study of how marine organisms interact with one another and with their environment.
What is a pelagic habitat?
A habitat in the open water column, away from the ocean bottom.
What is a demersal habitat?
A habitat located on or close to the ocean bottom.
What is an ecosystem engineer?
An organism that modifies its environment and can create habitat for other species.

Quiz questions

  1. Which description best defines an estuary?Answer: A partly enclosed coastal body receiving river water and connected to the sea.
  2. How does open-ocean primary productivity compare by area and in total?Answer: It is relatively low per area but greatest overall because the ocean is vast.
  3. What condition can trigger coral bleaching?Answer: Sea-surface temperatures rising well above their normal levels.
  4. What role can a seamount play in the deep ocean?Answer: It can attract organisms to feed and spawn.
  5. Which is an ecosystem service provided by marine organisms?Answer: Helping protect shorelines from erosion.

Based on the Wikipedia article Marine biology, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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