Marine Biology Lecture Notes Review

These flashcards cover important concepts and definitions from marine biology, encapsulating key ideas discussed in the lecture.

What is marine biology?

The scientific study of life in the sea, which encompasses a variety of organisms and ecosystems.

What are the four major ocean basins?

Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic oceans.

What is the importance of the Challenger Expedition?

The Challenger Expedition (1872–1876) marked the birth of modern oceanography.

What is the Coriolis effect?

The deflection of moving objects on Earth's surface due to its rotation, causing winds and currents to curve.

What are autotrophs?

Organisms that produce their own food from sunlight or inorganic substances, primarily through photosynthesis.

What role do sea turtles and other marine animals have in managing ion balance?

They have specialized glands to excrete excess salts from their bodies.

What is primary production?

The net gain in organic matter that occurs when autotrophs produce more organic material through photosynthesis than they use in respiration.

What are the three main layers of the ocean?

Surface layer, intermediate layer, and deep layer.

Define osmosis in the context of marine biology.

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane, crucial for maintaining the water balance in cells.

What are hydrothermal vents?

Undersea hot springs associated with mid-ocean ridges, providing unique environments for marine life.

What are the two primary reproduction methods in organisms?

Asexual reproduction, where offspring are exact clones of the parent, and sexual reproduction, which involves the union of gametes from two parents.

Explain the significance of the scientific method in marine biology.

It is a systematic approach for scientists to investigate phenomena, obtain measurable evidence, and formulate hypotheses.

What is the main impact of climate change on marine ecosystems?

It poses a dire threat to ocean health, affecting biodiversity, sea level, ecosystems, and species distribution.

Why is salinity important in marine environments?

Salinity affects the metabolic processes and distribution of organisms in marine ecosystems.

What is the significance of the term "biodiversity" in marine contexts?

It refers to the variety of life in the ocean, which is crucial for ecosystem health and resilience.

Define the term "thermohaline circulation."

The global pattern of ocean circulation driven by differences in temperature and salinity, affecting climate and marine ecosystems.

What is the role of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the ocean?

They are essential for primary production and the growth of marine plants and phytoplankton.

What is the biological species concept?

A definition of species as populations of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

What does the term "evolution" imply in biological studies?

The gradual alteration of a species' genetic makeup over time, primarily through natural selection.

What is the function of mitochondria in cells?

Mitochondria are the cell's powerhouses, breaking down organic molecules to provide energy.

How do kelp forests contribute to ocean ecosystems?

Kelp forests provide habitat and food for a diverse range of marine organisms, supporting biodiversity.

Describe the interaction between currents and temperature in the ocean.

Heat from surface currents is transported across vast distances, influencing climate and weather patterns.

What adaptations do marine organisms have for temperature regulation?

Endotherms maintain constant body temperatures, while ectotherms' body temperatures vary with the environment.

How do marine organisms cope with osmotic challenges?

Osmoregulators actively maintain their internal salt and water balance regardless of external conditions.

What is a scientific theory in the context of biology?

A hypothesis that has been extensively tested and supported by a large body of evidence.