AICE Marine Biology Paper 2 Review

Flashcards covering key concepts related to marine biology, data handling, sampling methods, and ecological principles.

Line of Best Fit

A line that shows the overall trend in a dataset, reducing the effect of anomalies.

Quadrat

A method of random sampling used for counting slow-moving or stationary organisms.

Line Transect

A method used to record the distribution of species along a gradient by laying a tape measure straight and recording species touching the line.

Belt Transect

A systematic method that combines transect and quadrat sampling to assess distribution and abundance of organisms.

Sampling Methods

Different techniques used to collect data on species abundance and distribution.

Eutrophication

A process where excess fertilizers enter water, leading to algal blooms and subsequent oxygen depletion.

Compensation Point

The point at which photosynthesis equals respiration, affecting productivity in aquatic environments.

Biomass Pyramid

A graphical representation showing the distribution of biomass across trophic levels, which typically decreases upward.

Spearman's Rank Correlation

A statistical test that shows the relationship between two variables, indicating correlation strength from +1 (strong positive) to -1 (strong negative).

Lincoln Index

A method to estimate population size using capture-recapture data.

Simpson's Index of Diversity

A measure of biodiversity in a habitat; closer to 1 indicates high diversity, while closer to 0 indicates low diversity.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms.

Photosynthesis

A process used by plants and some organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy, primarily occurring in the epipelagic zone.

Human Impacts on Marine Environments

Factors such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change that negatively affect marine ecosystems.

Zonation

The distribution of communities in distinct zones along gradients, such as a rocky shore.