Introduction to Marine Biology: Hotspots in the Deep

Flashcards covering key concepts related to marine biology focusing on hydrothermal vents, their ecology, historical discoveries, and current threats.

What are hydrothermal vents?

Hydrothermal vents are openings in the seafloor that emit heated water and various minerals, creating unique ecosystems.

What chemical process supports life at hydrothermal vents?

Chemosynthesis, which uses energy derived from chemical compounds to create organic matter.

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in the 1910s-1920s.

What significant discovery did the Galápagos Hydrothermal Expedition achieve in 1977?

It discovered the first hot springs at the Galapagos Rift at a depth of 2500m.

Describe the primary productivity in hydrothermal vent ecosystems.

Primary productivity in hydrothermal vent ecosystems is primarily based on chemosynthesis, not photosynthesis.

What are some major threats to deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities?

Major threats include climate change, pollution, deep-sea mining, and temperature shifts.

How does diversity in hydrothermal vent communities manifest?

Diversity is low in terms of species richness but characterized by the dominance of a few species and high levels of endemism.

What role do bacteria play in hydrothermal vent ecosystems?

Bacteria, particularly chemosynthetic ones, form symbiotic relationships with many vent organisms, deriving energy from toxic chemicals like hydrogen sulfide.

What is the significance of the Riftia pachyptila worm in vent ecosystems?

Riftia pachyptila is a giant tube worm that relies exclusively on symbiotic bacteria for nutrition and supports a diverse community around hydrothermal vents.

What are the ecological implications of hydrothermal vent biodiversity?

Hydrothermal vents are seen as oases of life, supporting unique ecosystems and evolutionary innovations despite their patchy distribution.